Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw and fecal collection (if applicable)
- Fasting: 8–12 hours fasting may be required
- Turn-around: 3-4 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection – Identify potential cancer markers before symptoms appear
- Comprehensive screening – Tests 5+ tumor markers for multiple cancer types
- Convenient monitoring – Track cancer recurrence without doctor visits
- Peace of mind – Proactive health management from home
- Fast results – Secure online access within days
- Expert guidance – Physician review for abnormal findings
Who Is This Test For?
- Women with family history of breast, ovarian, or colorectal cancer
- Cancer survivors monitoring for recurrence
- Women with genetic predispositions (BRCA mutations)
- Those experiencing unexplained symptoms like bloating or breast changes
- Health-conscious women seeking proactive cancer screening
- Women supplementing routine preventive care
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – No doctor's visit required; choose convenient lab location
- Provide samples – Quick blood draw at lab; collect stool sample at home if needed
- Get results – Secure online access within 3-4 days
FAQ
What cancers does this panel screen for? Breast, ovarian, colorectal, liver, pancreatic, and thyroid cancers through multiple tumor markers.
Can this replace my mammogram or Pap smear? No, this supplements but doesn't replace guideline-recommended imaging or cytology screening (CDC 2025).
How accurate are tumor marker tests? CA 125 has 80% sensitivity for advanced ovarian cancer but only 50% for early-stage disease (NCI 2024).
What if my results are abnormal? Elevated markers may indicate cancer, benign conditions, or need further testing; physician consultation recommended.
How often should I get tested? Typically annually or as advised based on risk factors and previous results.
Do I need to prepare for this test? Fast 8-12 hours if instructed and inform the lab of medications or supplements.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive panel measures 5+ tumor markers including CA 125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, AFP, and CEA to detect early signs of cancer or monitor recurrence. The test analyzes blood and sometimes stool samples to identify protein markers associated with common female cancers, enabling earlier intervention and improved outcomes (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
Women with increased cancer risk benefit most, including those with family history of breast or ovarian cancer, genetic mutations like BRCA1/BRCA2, or personal cancer history requiring surveillance. Health-conscious women seeking proactive screening beyond routine care also find value in comprehensive tumor marker assessment (MD Anderson 2024).
When should I order a Cancer Screening Panel for Women?
Order this test if you have risk factors like family cancer history, genetic predispositions, or symptoms such as abnormal periods, persistent bloating, breast changes, or unexplained weight loss. Cancer survivors should consider regular monitoring, while women over 40 with multiple risk factors benefit from annual screening (OncoLink 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
Results require professional interpretation as elevated markers don't always indicate cancer. Each marker has specific reference ranges, and values above normal may suggest further testing needed.
CA 125
- Normal Range: <35 U/mL
- Potential Indication: Ovarian or endometrial cancer
CA 15-3
- Normal Range: <30 U/mL
- Potential Indication: Breast cancer recurrence
CA 19-9
- Normal Range: <37 U/mL
- Potential Indication: Pancreatic or colorectal cancer
CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)
- Normal Range: <3 ng/mL
- Potential Indication: Colorectal or breast cancer
AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein)
- Normal Range: <10 ng/mL
- Potential Indication: Liver or ovarian cancer
Only healthcare professionals can determine if abnormal results are clinically significant, as benign conditions can also elevate tumor markers.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Fast 8-12 hours before blood collection if your panel includes metabolic markers. Inform the laboratory about all medications and supplements, as some may affect results. Avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours before testing. For stool collection, follow kit instructions carefully and ship samples promptly using provided materials.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on individual risk factors and previous results. Regular monitoring helps track changes over time.
- High-risk, no cancer history: Annually
- Cancer survivor, active monitoring: Every 3–6 months
- Stable survivor, long-term follow-up: Annually
- General health maintenance: Every 1–2 years
Why early detection matters
Early cancer detection dramatically improves survival rates and treatment success. Breast and colorectal cancer mortality can be reduced by up to 30% with early detection (CDC 2025). With 297,790 new breast cancer cases and 19,680 ovarian cancer cases expected annually in U.S. women, proactive screening becomes crucial for timely intervention and better outcomes (American Cancer Society 2024).
Related tests you may consider
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel – Broader health assessment including liver function
Breast Cancer Blood Test Panel – Screens for tumor markers that may be associated with the presence or progression of breast cancer, supporting early detection and monitoring when used alongside other diagnostic methods.
Methylated Septin 9 Blood Test – A non-invasive blood test that detects methylated Septin 9 DNA, a biomarker associated with colorectal cancer. It is used as a screening tool to help identify individuals at increased risk for colon cancer.
