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What are the six blood test indicators for cancer screening?

Nov 11, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Qi Zhirong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the six indicators for blood tests in cancer screening include carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen CA199, CA125, CA153, and neuron-specific enolase. If any of these indicators are abnormal, patients should seek medical attention promptly and undergo further examination and treatment. Doctors will develop an individualized treatment plan based on the patient's specific condition.

Generally, the six indicators in a blood test for cancer refer to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen CA199, CA125, CA153, and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). If experiencing any physical discomfort, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and follow professional medical advice for treatment. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA): CEA is a broad-spectrum tumor marker primarily found on the surface of cancer cells derived from endodermal cells. It is commonly associated with gastrointestinal malignancies such as colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and gastric cancer, and may also be seen in breast cancer, lung cancer, and other malignant tumors.

2. Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP): AFP is a glycoprotein mainly synthesized by fetal hepatocytes and the yolk sac. It is closely related to the development of liver cancer and various other tumors and serves as the primary serum marker for primary liver cancer.

3. Carbohydrate Antigen CA199: CA199 is one of the most sensitive markers for pancreatic cancer. It is associated with pancreatic cancer, hepatobiliary cancers, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and others. A mild elevation can be observed in gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions, while a significant increase aids in the diagnosis of digestive tract tumors such as pancreatic cancer.

4. CA125: CA125 is the primary tumor marker for epithelial ovarian cancer. It can also be found in endometrial cancer, fallopian tube cancer, lung cancer, and other malignancies. Non-malignant conditions such as the first trimester of pregnancy, menstruation, and endometriosis may also cause elevated CA125 levels.

5. CA153: CA153 is one of the tumor markers for breast cancer. The degree of its elevation correlates with tumor size, metastasis, and prognosis.

6. Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE): NSE is primarily present in neurons and neuroendocrine cells and serves as a tumor marker for small cell lung cancer and neuroblastoma. It is mainly used for screening lung cancer, especially small cell lung cancer.

In daily life, patients are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly, manage body weight, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and take medications as prescribed by their doctors. Additionally, maintaining good dietary habits and consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, tomatoes, and cucumbers, can help prevent the occurrence of diseases.

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