Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3-4 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Monitor breast cancer progression with precise CA 27.29 protein measurements
- Track treatment effectiveness to see if therapy is working
- Detect potential recurrence early for better health outcomes
- Convenient direct access - no referral needed from your doctor
- HIPAA-compliant results delivered securely online for confidential review
- Share with your oncologist to support informed treatment decisions
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with diagnosed breast cancer, especially metastatic disease
- Patients monitoring treatment response during active therapy
- Breast cancer survivors tracking for potential recurrence
- Those seeking convenient cancer monitoring between physician visits
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No referral needed, convenient scheduling at nearby labs
- Quick blood draw - Simple serum collection at certified lab locations
- Get secure results - HIPAA-compliant delivery to review with your healthcare team
FAQ
What does the CA 27.29 test measure? It measures levels of Cancer Antigen 27.29, a protein produced by the MUC1 gene that serves as a tumor marker for breast cancer monitoring.
Is this test used for breast cancer screening? Yes, this test is for monitoring diagnosed breast cancer patients, initial screening, or diagnosis in healthy individuals.
What's considered a normal CA 27.29 level? Normal range is typically 0-38 U/mL, though elevated levels must be interpreted by your doctor alongside other clinical findings.
Can other conditions cause elevated CA 27.29? Yes, other cancers and some benign conditions can raise CA 27.29 levels, which is why professional interpretation is essential.
How often should I get this test? Testing frequency depends on your treatment plan, often every 1-3 months for metastatic disease monitoring as directed by your oncologist.
Do I need to prepare for this test? No special preparation required - continue medications unless instructed otherwise by your physician.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Cancer Antigen (CA) 27.29 Blood Test measures CA 27.29 protein levels in your blood to monitor breast cancer progression, treatment response, or potential recurrence. This FDA-cleared tumor marker test helps your healthcare team assess disease activity in patients with diagnosed breast cancer, particularly those with advanced or metastatic disease (Mayo Clinic Laboratories 2022).
The test uses immunoassay techniques with sensitivity down to 0.8 U/mL, providing reliable monitoring capabilities for ongoing cancer management (Elk Biotech).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is specifically beneficial for individuals with a confirmed breast cancer diagnosis, especially those with metastatic disease. It's particularly valuable for patients undergoing active treatment who need regular monitoring of their cancer's response to therapy (City of Hope Cancer Center 2023).
Breast cancer survivors also benefit from this test as part of their follow-up care to detect potential recurrence early, when treatment options may be more effective.
When should I order a Cancer Antigen (CA) 27.29 Blood Test?
Order this test when your healthcare provider recommends monitoring your breast cancer status, especially during or after treatment to assess disease activity or recurrence. It's typically ordered after initial breast cancer diagnosis to establish baseline levels and then regularly throughout treatment (University of Rochester Medical Center 2025).
Consider ordering if you're experiencing symptoms that might indicate cancer progression or if you're between oncology appointments and want to monitor your status.
How do I interpret the results?
0–38 U/mL: Normal range
- What it means: No immediate concern
- Typical action: Continue routine monitoring
Above 38 U/mL: Elevated
- What it means: May indicate disease progression
- Typical action: Discuss with oncologist immediately
Rising trend:
- What it means: Possible disease progression
- Typical action: Additional testing may be needed
Declining trend:
- What it means: Positive response to treatment
- Typical action: Continue current treatment plan
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 special preparation is required for the CA 27.29 test. You don't need to fast, and you can continue taking your regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your physician. The blood sample is collected in a standard red-top or gel-barrier tube at any certified laboratory location (LabCorp 2025).
How often should I get tested?
- Active treatment monitoring: Every 1–3 months
- Post-treatment surveillance: Every 3–6 months
- Stable long-term survivors: Every 6–12 months
- Suspected recurrence: As directed by oncologist
Why early detection matters
Early detection of breast cancer recurrence through CA 27.29 monitoring can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life. With approximately 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer expected in U.S. women in 2023, regular monitoring helps ensure timely intervention when cancer activity changes (American Cancer Society 2023).
Regular monitoring may also reduce the need for unnecessary imaging studies and hospital visits, streamlining your follow-up care while maintaining vigilant cancer surveillance.
Related tests you may consider
CA 15-3 Blood Test - Another breast cancer tumor marker often used alongside CA 27.29 for comprehensive monitoring (Austin Regional Clinic 2022).
CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) Test - Provides additional tumor marker information and can help monitor other cancer types.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) - Assesses overall health and organ function, particularly important for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
