Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (3 mL whole blood in EDTA tube)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 1–2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection advantage - Identify biomarkers before symptoms appear
- Convenient monitoring - Track treatment response and recurrence risk non-invasively
- Comprehensive screening - Tests multiple tumor markers in one panel
- No doctor visit required - Order directly and get confidential results
- Peace of mind - Proactive health monitoring for high-risk individuals
- Cost-effective - More affordable than multiple individual tests
Who Is This Test For?
- Women with family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Individuals with BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations or genetic risk factors
- Cancer survivors monitoring for recurrence
- People experiencing unexplained breast symptoms or changes
- Health-conscious individuals seeking proactive screening
- Those unable to access regular mammography screening
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test kit and schedule blood collection
- Collect sample - Visit a lab location for a quick blood draw
- Get results - Receive secure, confidential results within 1-2 days
FAQ
What biomarkers does this panel test for? This panel measures CA 27.29, CA 15-3, and CEA - key tumor markers associated with breast cancer detection and monitoring.
Can this test replace mammograms or breast biopsies? No, blood tests complement but don't replace imaging or tissue biopsies. Positive results require follow-up with your healthcare provider.
How accurate are these blood tests for breast cancer? Current liquid biopsy technologies show >90% specificity, though sensitivity varies by cancer stage (BCRF 2025).
What happens if my results are abnormal? Abnormal results indicate elevated biomarkers that require further evaluation through imaging studies or specialist consultation.
Is this test suitable for men? Yes, men can also develop breast cancer and may benefit from this screening, especially with family history.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This Breast Cancer Blood Test Panel screens for, monitors, and assesses molecular indicators of breast cancer using a simple blood sample. The panel measures circulating tumor markers including CA 27.29, CA 15-3, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) that may be elevated in breast cancer patients (National Breast Cancer Foundation 2025).
These biomarkers help detect early signs of disease, monitor treatment effectiveness, and surveillance for cancer recurrence. While not used as standalone diagnostic tools, they provide valuable molecular insights that complement traditional screening methods like mammography (Breast Cancer Research Foundation 2025).
Who would benefit from this test?
Individuals at increased breast cancer risk benefit most from this panel. This includes people with family history of breast or ovarian cancer, known BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations, or previous breast cancer diagnosis requiring surveillance (PreventionGenetics 2022).
Health-conscious consumers seeking proactive, confidential screening also find value in direct-to-consumer access. The test appeals to those wanting molecular insights without physician referrals, enabling early intervention and empowered health decisions (Walk-In Lab 2025).
When should I order a Breast Cancer Blood Test Panel?
Consider ordering if you have breast cancer risk factors including family history, genetic predisposition, or dense breast tissue. The test is also valuable for cancer survivors needing regular surveillance or individuals experiencing concerning breast symptoms (Mass General Brigham 2024).
Women with reproductive factors increasing estrogen exposure - early menstruation, late menopause, or hormone therapy use - may benefit from screening. Order annually for high-risk monitoring or as recommended by your healthcare provider.
How do I interpret the results?
Normal/Low
- What It Means: No concerning elevation detected
- Typical Action: Continue routine screening schedule
Borderline
- What It Means: Slightly elevated, may warrant monitoring
- Typical Action: Repeat testing in 3–6 months
Elevated
- What It Means: Concerning levels requiring evaluation
- Typical Action: Immediate physician consultation and imaging
Very High
- What It Means: Significant elevation suggesting active disease
- Typical Action: Urgent oncology referral and diagnostic workup
Normal results don't completely rule out breast cancer, especially in early stages where biomarker levels may not yet be elevated.
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
No fasting is required for this blood panel. Continue taking prescribed medications unless specifically advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. Avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours before testing as it may temporarily affect some biomarker levels.
Inform the lab if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have recently undergone cancer treatment, as these conditions may influence biomarker interpretation. Schedule testing during the first half of your menstrual cycle when hormone fluctuations are minimal.
How often should I get tested?
- High genetic risk (BRCA+) → Every 6–12 months
- Family history → Annually
- Cancer survivor surveillance → Every 3–6 months for 5 years
- General population screening → Every 1–2 years after age 40
- Active treatment monitoring → As directed by oncologist
Why early detection matters
Early-stage breast cancer has a five-year survival rate of approximately 99%, compared to 30% for metastatic cases (American Cancer Society 2024). In the U.S., about 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, making proactive screening crucial.
Blood biomarker testing may help reduce unnecessary biopsies - currently 80% of breast biopsies turn out negative (Mass General Brigham 2024). Early molecular detection enables timely intervention, personalized treatment planning, and improved outcomes through precision medicine approaches.
Related tests you may consider
Cancer Screening Panel, Women – Measures multiple tumor markers, including AFP, CEA, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, and CA 125, to help assess potential risk for certain cancers and monitor overall health. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider alongside clinical findings and other diagnostic tests.
Cancer Antigen (CA) 15-3 Blood Test – Measures CA 15-3 levels in the blood, which may be elevated in breast cancer and certain other conditions. This test is commonly used to help monitor treatment response or recurrence in individuals with breast cancer.
Cancer Antigen (CA) 27.29 Blood Test – Measures CA 27.29 levels in the blood, which may be elevated in breast cancer and some other conditions. This test is often used to help monitor treatment effectiveness or detect recurrence in individuals with breast cancer.
