What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your CEA level means for your health status and cancer monitoring. These notes include personalized recommendations on whether levels indicate stable disease, treatment response, or if further investigation is needed. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your CEA levels over time using our trends feature, which is especially helpful for monitoring changes during treatment or surveillance.

Who should consider this test?

This test is most valuable for people already diagnosed with cancer, especially colorectal, gastrointestinal, breast, lung, or pancreatic cancers. It's also important for those who've had cancer surgery and need ongoing monitoring for recurrence, or patients currently undergoing cancer treatment to assess effectiveness. It's not recommended as a screening test for healthy individuals without symptoms or cancer history.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

You might need this test if you're experiencing persistent unexplained symptoms like abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or chronic fatigue. It's particularly relevant if you have a personal history of cancer or a strong family history of colorectal or gastrointestinal cancers. However, this test is most useful for monitoring known cancer rather than diagnosing new cases.

What does high CEA mean?

High CEA levels can indicate active cancer, cancer recurrence, or that cancer treatment isn't working as effectively as hoped. However, elevated CEA doesn't always mean cancer, as it can also be higher in smokers, older adults, and people with non-cancerous conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, or pancreatitis. Rising CEA levels over time in someone with a cancer history are more concerning than a single elevated result.

What does low or normal CEA mean?

Normal or low CEA levels generally indicate no evidence of cancer activity, successful cancer treatment, or stable disease. If you've had cancer surgery, declining CEA levels suggest the tumor was successfully removed. Normal levels are typically below 3-5 ng/mL for non-smokers, though reference ranges can vary slightly between laboratories.

How often should I retest my CEA levels?

If you're being treated for cancer, your doctor typically monitors CEA every 1-3 months during active treatment to assess response. After successful cancer treatment, testing every 3-6 months for the first few years is common for surveillance, then less frequently if levels remain stable. Your oncologist will create a personalized monitoring schedule based on your specific cancer type and treatment history.

What should I do if my CEA levels are rising?

Rising CEA levels warrant follow-up with your oncologist, as this may indicate cancer recurrence or progression. Your doctor may order additional imaging tests like CT scans, PET scans, or MRI to look for tumor activity. Don't panic if levels rise slightly, as they can fluctuate due to inflammation or other benign conditions, but consistent upward trends should be evaluated promptly.