Cancer and Tumor Marker Men's Screening

Men’s cancer screening blends evidence-based imaging and procedures (e.g., colonoscopy, low-dose CT for lung in high-risk smokers) with select blood tests. The only widely used blood test for population screening in men is the PSA (prostate-specific antigen), offered via shared decision-making because benefits and harms vary by age and risk. By contrast, most tumor markers (AFP, β-hCG, LDH, CEA, CA 19-9, etc.) are not recommended for general screening; they are mainly used to help diagnose, stage, or monitor known cancers. New multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood tests exist, but major organizations say they shouldn’t replace standard screenings at this time.


Signs & Situations (When to consider testing)

  • Prostate health: age-appropriate PSA discussion; urinary symptoms (weak stream, frequency, nocturia) need clinical evaluation.

  • Testicular concerns: a new, painless testicular lump/swelling—seek prompt exam; blood markers (AFP, β-hCG, LDH) are used when cancer is suspected, not for routine screening. 

  • Family history/high risk: early or multiple cancers in relatives (e.g., prostate, colorectal) may shift screening age/intensity—discuss with your clinician.

  • Systemic red flags: unexplained weight loss, persistent pain, or fatigue warrant medical evaluation (testing guided by exam and imaging).

Related searches: men’s cancer screening blood tests, PSA test, testicular cancer markers AFP hCG LDH, CEA, CA 19-9, MCED blood tests.


Why These Tests Matter

What men’s cancer labs can do

  • Support early detection for prostate cancer via PSA using shared decision-making (especially ages 55–69; not routine ≥70).

  • Aid diagnosis/monitoring: markers like AFP, β-hCG, LDH (testicular), CEA (colorectal), CA 19-9 (pancreatic) help stage or follow known disease, not screen average-risk men. 

  • Complement—not replace—standard screenings; MCED tests are currently adjunctive at most. 

What they cannot do

  • Tumor markers cannot rule out cancer in people without symptoms and are not substitutes for guideline screenings (e.g., colonoscopy). 

  • No single blood test screens for all cancers. MCEDs do not replace mammography, colon, lung, or prostate screening pathways.


What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

Screening (population-level or risk-based)

  • PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen): primary blood test considered for prostate screening; interval and start age depend on age/risk and guideline. AUA: offer 50–69 every 2–4 yrs (consider baseline 45–50). USPSTF/CDC: individualized 55–69not routine ≥70.

Diagnostic/Monitoring markers (not general screening)

  • AFP, β-hCG, LDH (Testicular): essential once testicular cancer is suspected/diagnosed; used for risk stratification and follow-up.

  • CEA (Colorectal) & CA 19-9 (Pancreatic): can help monitor known disease; not recommended to screen asymptomatic men.

Emerging tests

  • MCED blood tests: experimental adjuncts; do not replace established screenings.


How the Testing Process Works

  1. Order online: choose PSA (per clinician guidance/age) and any oncologist-directed tumor markers for diagnosis/monitoring.

  2. Visit a nearby lab: quick blood draw.

  3. Get results rapidly: most post within 24–48 hours (genetic/novel assays may vary).

  4. Review with your clinician: pair results with exam, imaging, and guideline screening schedule.


Interpreting Results (general guidance)

  • PSA: thresholds/risk depend on age and trends; elevated or rising PSA may prompt repeat PSA, risk tools, MRI, or biopsy discussions. Normal PSA doesn’t guarantee absence of cancer. (Use shared decision-making.) 

  • AFP/β-hCG/LDH: high levels support testicular cancer diagnosis/staging only in the right clinical setting; they’re not screening tools. 

  • CEA/CA 19-9: interpret with clinical context; elevations are nonspecific and not for screening.

  • MCED: a “negative” result does not replace routine screenings. 

Always interpret labs with a qualified healthcare professional.


Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Average-risk prostate screening: discuss PSA at 55–69; may stop routine screening at ≥70.

  • AUA approach: offer periodic PSA 50–69 (every 2–4 yrs); consider baseline 45–50 or earlier for higher risk (e.g., strong family history, African ancestry).

  • Testicular concerns: do not screen asymptomatic men; if a mass is suspected, clinicians order AFP/β-hCG/LDH plus ultrasound.

  • Other tumor markers: reserve CEA/CA 19-9 for oncology-directed monitoring.

  • MCED tests: consider only as an adjunct after discussing limits; keep up with standard screenings.


FAQs

Is there a single blood test that screens men for all cancers?
No. MCED blood tests are not a replacement for proven screenings (colonoscopy, LDCT for eligible smokers, PSA discussions, etc.). 

What age should men start PSA screening?
Guidelines differ. CDC/USPSTF: individualized discussion 55–69, generally not routine ≥70AUA: offer 50–69 every 1–2 yrs; consider baseline 45–50, earlier if high-risk. 

Are tumor markers like CEA or CA 19-9 good screening tests?
No. They can be elevated for noncancer reasons and are used mainly for monitoring known cancers—not screening healthy men.

Do I need to fast for PSA?
Typically no, but follow the instructions on your order and avoid ejaculation or vigorous cycling shortly before some draws (can affect PSA); confirm with your clinician.

How fast are results?
Most lab results are ready in 24–48 hours; specialty or genetic tests may take longer.


Internal Links & Cross-References

  • Cancer Screening Hub

  • Prostate Cancer

  • Colorectal Cancer

  • Lung Cancer

  • Testicular Cancer

  •  Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED)

  • Key Lab Tests: PSA • Free PSA (Reflex) • AFP • β-hCG • LDH • CEA • CA 19-9


Available Tests & Panels

 

 

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The Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) and AFP-L3 Test measures total AFP and the AFP-L3 fraction, which is more specific for liver cancer risk. Elevated AFP may indicate liver disease, germ cell tumors, or hepatitis, while AFP-L3 is strongly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Doctors order this test to assess liver function, screen high-risk patients, and monitor cancer treatment. Results provide critical insight into liver health and cancer detection.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: AFP Test, Total AFP Test, Alpha-Fetoprotein Tumor Markers, Alpha-Fetoprotein Test

Most Popular

The Amylase Test measures amylase enzyme levels in blood to evaluate pancreatic and digestive health. Elevated amylase may indicate pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, intestinal blockage, or salivary gland disorders, while low levels may suggest chronic pancreatitis or liver damage. Doctors order this test to investigate abdominal pain, nausea, or fever. Results provide vital insight into pancreatic function, digestive disorders, and overall metabolic health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Amy Test

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The CA 125 Test measures the level of cancer antigen 125 in blood, a protein often elevated in ovarian cancer and some other conditions. While not used alone for diagnosis, it helps monitor treatment effectiveness, detect recurrence, or assess disease progression. Elevated CA 125 may also be seen in endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammation. Doctors use this test to support cancer management and track overall reproductive and abdominal health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: CA 125 Tumor Marker, Cancer Antigen 125 Test

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The CA 19-9 Test measures levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in blood, a tumor marker often elevated in pancreatic cancer and sometimes in bile duct, colorectal, or liver cancers. While not used alone for diagnosis, it helps monitor treatment, track disease progression, and detect recurrence. Elevated CA 19-9 may also occur in noncancerous conditions. Doctors use this test to support cancer management and guide therapy decisions.

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Blood Draw
Also Known As: CA 19-9 Tumor Marker, Cancer Antigen 19-9 Test

The Calcitonin Test measures levels of calcitonin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate calcium. Elevated levels are often linked to medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or other thyroid disorders, while normal results help rule out disease. Doctors use this blood test to aid in early detection, monitor treatment effectiveness, and track recurrence in patients with thyroid cancer or suspected endocrine abnormalities.

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The CEA Test measures carcinoembryonic antigen levels in blood, a protein that may be elevated in certain cancers, especially colorectal, pancreatic, lung, breast, or ovarian cancer. It is not used alone for diagnosis but helps monitor cancer treatment, detect recurrence, and track disease progression. Elevated CEA can also occur in noncancerous conditions. Doctors use this test to support therapy decisions and provide insight into cancer management.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Carcinoembryonic Antigen Test

The Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets Test is a comprehensive blood test that checks red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. The differential analyzes types of white blood cells to detect infections, anemia, clotting abnormalities, immune conditions, and certain cancers. This essential test is often ordered for routine health exams, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment progress.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: CBC Test, CBC with Differential and Platelets Test, CBC w/Diff and Platelets Test, Full Blood Count Test, Complete Blood Count Test

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Test measures 21 markers to assess metabolic health, liver and kidney function, and electrolyte balance. It includes glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total protein, bilirubin, ALP, AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, BUN/creatinine ratio, and eGFR. The CMP helps detect diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and supports routine screening and chronic condition monitoring.

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Also Known As: CMP Test, Chemistry Panel Test, Chem Test, Chem 21 Test, Chem 14 Test 

The Culture Urine Routine Test detects and identifies bacteria or yeast in urine that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). By growing microorganisms in a lab, this test determines the type of infection and guides effective treatment. Doctors use it to evaluate symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urges, or fever and to monitor recurrent UTIs. Results provide critical insight for diagnosis, antibiotic selection, and urinary health management.

Urine
Urine Collection
Also Known As: Urine Culture Test, Urine Culture and Sensitivity, UTI test

The DCP Test detects des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin, an abnormal form of prothrombin linked to hepatocellular carcinoma and other liver disorders. Elevated levels may reflect tumor activity, chronic liver disease, or cirrhosis. This test provides valuable information for assessing liver function, monitoring cancer progression, and evaluating systemic health in patients with hepatic disease.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Des-Gamma-Carboxy-Prothrombin Test

The Fecal Globin by Immunochemistry Test detects hidden (occult) blood in stool using antibodies that identify human globin protein. This test helps screen for colorectal cancer, polyps, ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Doctors order it when patients have anemia, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits. Results provide early detection of digestive tract bleeding, guiding further evaluation with colonoscopy or other diagnostic procedures.

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Also Known As: Fecal Immunochemical Test, Fecal Occult Blood Test, Stool Occult Blood Test, FIT Test, FOBT

The Gastrin Test measures gastrin hormone levels in blood, which regulate stomach acid production. Elevated levels may indicate Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, gastrinoma, pernicious anemia, or chronic atrophic gastritis. Doctors order this test for patients with recurrent ulcers, abdominal pain, or unexplained diarrhea. Results help evaluate abnormal acid production, detect tumors, and guide treatment for gastrointestinal and metabolic conditions.

Blood
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Also Known As: Gastrinomas Test

The hCG Total Quantitative Test measures human chorionic gonadotropin levels in blood to confirm pregnancy and monitor its progression. It provides exact hCG values, helping detect ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage risk, and abnormal growths like trophoblastic disease. Doctors also use it to track fertility treatments and evaluate certain cancers. This test offers precise insight into pregnancy health, reproductive function, and overall hormone balance.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Beta hCG Test, Quantitative Chorionic Gonadotropin Test

The Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test measures LDH enzyme levels in blood to assess tissue damage and overall health. Elevated LDH may indicate conditions such as liver disease, heart attack, anemia, infections, or certain cancers, while low levels are uncommon. Doctors use this test to help diagnose disease, monitor treatment effectiveness, and track cell damage. It provides valuable insight into metabolic activity and organ function.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: LD Test, LDH Test, Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase Test


Most Popular

The PSA Total Test measures prostate-specific antigen levels in blood to evaluate prostate health. Elevated PSA may indicate prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostatitis. Doctors use this test for early detection of prostate cancer, monitoring treatment, or assessing recurrence risk. Commonly recommended for men over 50 or those at higher risk, the PSA test supports diagnosis, prevention, and long-term prostate care.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Prostate Specific Antigen Test, PSA Test, Prostate Test

The PSA Free and Total Test measures prostate-specific antigen in blood, reporting both free and total PSA to help evaluate prostate health. It is used to screen for prostate cancer, differentiate between cancer and benign conditions like prostatitis or enlarged prostate (BPH), and monitor treatment. Doctors order this test for men with urinary symptoms or at risk of prostate disease. Results provide key insight into prostate function and overall men’s health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Prostate Specific Antigen Test, PSA Blood Test

Did you know that 39.5% of men will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetimes? This means that it's likely that you could be one of these individuals who receive a diagnosis.

Hearing that you have cancer isn't great news by any means, but thanks to new technologies and treatments, you'll have a better shot at surviving today than ever before. In fact, many cancers are considered reversible if they're found in the early stages of development.

To catch cancer early, you should invest in cancer screening blood tests. These can help catch cancer signs in the body before the cancer cells have a chance to spread elsewhere.

Keep reading to learn more about cancer screening blood tests and how you can look for cancer symptoms in men.

What Is Cancer in Men?

Cancer is a very broad term that describes the group of diseases that occur with DNA mutation in human cells. More specifically, these DNA mutations and other cellular changes cause uncontrolled growth, division, and movement of cells throughout the body.

Normally, the body has a built-in mechanism to stop these kinds of problems in the body. However, cancer cells lack the components that would normally make them stop.

These are the most common cancers in men: 

  • Prostate cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Melanoma skin cancer.

Risk Factors for Cancer in Men

Cancer is a multifactorial disease, which means that several different factors can contribute to one case. Here are some of the most notable risk factors of cancer that we can prevent:

  • Smoking
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • Excess body weight
  • Poor nutrition
  • Physical inactivity
  • Prolonged sun exposure
  • Exposure to radiation
  • Exposure to some chemicals

In addition to these preventable factors, there are other factors that aren't preventable. These include the following:

  • Age
  • Genetics
  • Ethnicity
  • Sex

You can't change your family history or your biological sex, but you can make lifestyle choices that can help reduce the risk of developing cancer. Focus on the risk factors you can control rather than obsessing about the ones you can't.

Causes of Cancer in Men

Cancer develops when there is a mutation in the DNA in your body cells. DNA tells the body's cells how to perform, grow, and divide. Without these explicit instructions, cell growth can run wild.

Gene mutations can cause cells to grow rapidly without correcting mistakes in DNA errors. These cells will also lose the stop mechanism that would tell them when to stop uncontrolled cell growth.

You could be born with these gene mutations or develop them after birth. Mutations can also be caused by the following:

  • Smoke
  • Radiation
  • Viruses
  • Carcinogens
  • Obesity
  • Hormones
  • Inflammation

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cancer in Men?

The signs and symptoms of cancer in men vary depending on the body part that the cancer cells are affecting. However, most cancers have the same general signs and symptoms:

  • A lump under the skin
  • An area of thickening on the skin
  • General fatigue
  • Unintended weight changes
  • Skin changes
  • Changes in urinary frequency
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Hoarseness
  • Indigestion after eating
  • Abdominal pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Fevers
  • Night sweats
  • Easily bruising

These signs and symptoms are located all over the body because cancer is a systemic disease. Even before cancer is able to spread throughout the body, it causes hormonal and metabolic changes. This causes a plethora of symptoms.

How Is Cancer in Men Diagnosed?

A cancer diagnosis occurs with a full workup. Your doctor may conduct a physical exam, cancer screening laboratory tests, imaging tests, and biopsies as needed. Depending on the symptoms you're experiencing, the physician will look at different areas of your body.

For example, if you're complaining of abdominal pain, they will get lab and image tests that pertain to the abdomen.

These tests can help healthcare workers determine if you have cancerous cells. Along with a biopsy, they can determine whether the cancer is benign or malignant.

The Lab Tests to Screen, Diagnose, and Monitor Cancer in Men

The best way to catch cancer is through screening tests. These tests aim to catch the disease early before it can cause any lasting damage to your body.

At Ulta Lab Tests, our cancer screening blood panel for men looks at the following tests:

  • Alpha-Fetoprotein - an elevated value suggests the presence of primary liver cancer or germ cell tumor
  • CA 125 - an elevated value suggests that you may have cancer as it measures cancer antigens in the blood
  • CA 19-9 - a protein that scientists associate with pancreatic cancer
  • CEA - an elevated level suggests that you may have cancer of the colon, rectum, prostate, ovary, lung, thyroid, or liver
  • PSA Total - the prostate-specific antigen that looks for signs of prostate cancer

By looking at all of these values, you and your healthcare provider can make better decisions regarding your health. If one of these tests results come back out of range, you need to get medical care to determine the stage and severity of your condition.

Get the Cancer Screening Blood Tests You Need at Ulta Lab Tests

If you think that you might have cancer, you need cancer screening blood tests.

The earlier that you detect cancer, the better the outlook of your cancer treatment will be. Early diagnosis is key when it comes to longevity and quality of life.

Ulta Lab Tests provides accurate and reliable tests that can help you make more informed decisions about your healthcare. Here are a few of the benefits you can take advantage of with Ulta Lab Tests:

  • You'll get secure and confidential results
  • You don't need health insurance
  • You don't need a physician's referral
  • You'll get affordable pricing
  • We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee

Order your cancer screening blood tests today. You'll get your results online in about 24 to 48 hours for most tests that we offer.

Take control of your health with Ulta Lab Tests today!