Test Components:

The Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel includes the following tests:

1. CA 15-3
2. CA 27-29
3. CEA

Description:

The Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel can help your physician monitor breast cancer treatment and therapy.

Both the CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 are proteins that are normally produced by breast cells. In persons with breast cancer, the levels can increase. The protein amounts can rise with breast cancer tumor growth and fall with treatment.

The carcinoembryonic antigen is a protein that may be present in people with cancer, including breast cancer. The CEA Test measures the amount of this protein in your blood. CEA is normally detected in healthy adults, but at a certain range (see below Normal Range).

These three tests can also help your physician offer a more accurate prognosis (or prediction of your health).

Why Do I Need It?:

The Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel is recommended for women currently afflicted with breast cancer, are breast cancer survivors, or have a history of breast cancer. Note: This panel does not tell you that you have breast cancer.

Other Relevant Tests:

Did you know that ANY LAB TEST NOW® offers dozens of other Value Panels?

You might also consider the Comprehensive Female Panel.

Test Details:

Normal Range:

High Results Indicate:

CA 15-3: Elevated levels indicate breast cancer and the size of the tumor.

CA 27.29: Elevated levels indicate that treatment for metastatic breast cancer is not working.

CEA: Elevated levels of CEA indicate tumors somewhere in the body.

Low Results Indicate:

CA 15-3: Low levels indicate there is no cancer, but it may be too soon for the disease to elevate the blood levels.

CA 27.29: Low levels may indicate that treatment for metastatic breast cancer is working.

CEA: Lowering levels indicate that the tumor has been removed.

What Type of Physician Should You See?

You should see your primary care physician, gynecologist or your oncologist.

Next Steps:

1. Buy test – either at the store or online. (*If online, don't forget to print out receipt!)
2. Fill out necessary paperwork and how you want to receive the test results.
3. Get results.
4. Review results.
5. If your results are 'abnormal' or 'out-of-range' from the normal, please contact your physician. (*The interpretation of any laboratory test should be made only by a licensed physician.)