Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No fasting is required. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to collection.
- Turnaround: 1-2 business days. May take longer due to weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What's Included
- CA 27.29 (Cancer Antigen 27.29): A protein-based tumor marker used to evaluate the progression of metastatic breast cancer.
- CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3): A tumor marker released into the bloodstream by certain breast cancer cells, providing information about the presence and progression of breast cancer.
- CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): A protein associated with several cancers, including breast cancer. CEA is not used for diagnosis, but can help assess cancer progression, treatment effectiveness, and recurrence.
Benefits
- Combines three breast cancer-related biomarkers into a single blood panel.
- Supports monitoring of breast cancer progression using CA 27.29 and CA 15-3.
- Helps assess treatment effectiveness and recurrence using CEA.
- Offers a convenient way to track multiple markers over time.
- Provides bloodwork you can discuss with your healthcare provider.
Who Is This Test For?
- People who have noticed possible signs of breast cancer, such as a new lump.
- People who want to screen for early signs of breast cancer.
- People currently being treated for breast cancer who want ongoing monitoring.
- People being monitored for breast cancer recurrence after treatment.
- People whose healthcare provider recommends tracking these markers over time.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this panel?
This panel measures three biomarkers associated with breast cancer: CA 27.29, CA 15-3, and CEA. CA 27.29 and CA 15-3 are tumor markers that can provide information about the presence and progression of breast cancer, and this panel is intended to help screen for and monitor invasive breast cancer. CEA is not used for diagnosis, but can help assess cancer progression, treatment effectiveness, and recurrence. Each marker offers different information, and the panel does not diagnose breast cancer or determine its stage on its own.
2. Who should consider this panel?
This panel may be useful for people who have noticed possible signs of breast cancer, such as a new lump or thickening, a change in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple changes, unusual nipple discharge, skin changes around the breast, or breast pain. It may also benefit people who want to screen for early signs of breast cancer, people currently being treated for breast cancer, people being monitored for possible recurrence after treatment, or anyone whose healthcare provider wants to track these markers over time, including during or after treatment. This panel is not a substitute for a clinical breast exam, imaging, biopsy, or clinical evaluation of your symptoms.
3. How does this panel differ from individual cancer-related tests?
Rather than requiring separate individual tests for each marker, this panel combines CA 27.29, CA 15-3, and CEA into a single blood draw. Ordering these markers together does not make the panel more diagnostic than any one marker alone, and it does not provide comprehensive cancer screening beyond these three biomarkers.
4. Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is required for this panel. You should stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to your blood collection.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 1-2 days. Results may take longer based on weather, holidays, or lab delays.
6. How do I interpret the results?
Each marker in this panel should be interpreted individually and in the context of your medical history, symptoms, imaging, pathology, treatment history, and other laboratory results. CA 27.29 and CA 15-3 levels may be affected by breast cancer progression, while CEA levels relate to progression, treatment effectiveness, and recurrence rather than diagnosis. An abnormal result in one or more markers does not confirm that cancer is present, and normal results do not rule out cancer. If your provider is tracking these markers over time, trends may offer useful context but do not independently establish disease progression or recurrence.
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.
7. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Review any results that fall outside the expected range with a qualified healthcare provider, who can help determine whether additional evaluation is appropriate based on your full clinical picture.
8. How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your individual situation, such as ongoing treatment or monitoring for recurrence. There is no set schedule for repeating this panel, and it should be ordered as directed by your healthcare provider.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for this panel. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to your blood collection.
