CA-1. Cancer Screening - Women

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The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: AFP and AFP-L3%, AlphaFetoprotein AFP and AFPL3

AFP

AFP is used as a tumor marker to help detect and diagnose cancers of the liver, testes, and ovaries. Though the test is often ordered to monitor people with chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C because they have an increased lifetime risk of developing liver cancer. If a person has been diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma or another form of AFP-producing cancer, an AFP test may be ordered periodically to help monitor the person's response to therapy and to monitor for cancer recurrence.

AFP-L3

An AFP-L3% is sometimes also ordered to compare the amount of the AFP variant called AFP-L3 to the total amount of AFP. The test is used to help evaluate the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in those with chronic liver disease, and also to evaluate response of hepatocellular carcinoma to treatment.

Also known as: CA 125 Tumor Marker, CA-125, Cancer Antigen 125, OC125, Ovarian Antigen

Ca 125

The Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) test measures the amount of CA-125 in the blood. CA-125 is a protein that is present on the surface of most, but not all, ovarian cancer cells. This makes the test useful as a tumor marker in specific circumstances. Significantly elevated concentrations of CA-125 may be present in the blood of a woman who has ovarian cancer. Small quantities of CA-125 are produced by normal tissues throughout the body and by some other cancers. Levels in the blood may be moderately elevated with a variety of non-cancerous conditions, including menstruation, pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Also known as: CA 153, CA-Breast, Cancer Antigen 15-3, Cancer Antigen-Breast

Ca 15-3

Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is a protein that is produced by normal breast cells. In many people with cancerous breast tumors, there is an increased production of CA 15-3 and the related cancer antigen 27.29. CA 15-3 does not cause cancer; rather, it is shed by the tumor cells and enters the bloodstream, making it useful as a tumor marker to follow the course of the cancer. CA 15-3 is elevated in only about 10% of women with early localized breast cancer but is elevated in about 80% of those with metastatic breast cancer. CA 15-3 may also be elevated in healthy people and in individuals with other cancers (e.g., colon, lung, pancreas, ovary, or prostate malignancies) or certain conditions (e.g., cirrhosis, hepatitis, and benign breast disease).

Also known as: CA 199, Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9

Ca 19-9

Cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a protein that exists on the surface of certain cancer cells. CA 19-9 does not cause cancer; rather, it is shed by the tumor cells, making it useful as a tumor marker to follow the course of the cancer. CA 19-9 is elevated in 70% to 95% of people with advanced pancreatic cancer, but it may also be elevated in other cancers, conditions, and diseases such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer, gallbladder cancer, bile duct obstruction (e.g., gallstones), pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and liver disease. Small amounts of CA 19-9 are present in the blood of healthy people.

Also known as: CA 2729, Cancer Ag 27-29

Ca 27.29

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The CA-1. Cancer Screening - Women panel contains 5 tests with 6 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The CA-1 Cancer Screening - Women panel is specifically designed as an initial screening tool for the early detection of various cancers that commonly affect women. This panel combines several tumor markers and protein measurements, each carefully selected for their relevance in detecting specific cancer types. The panel is an important resource for those who are at increased risk of cancer, either due to family history, genetic predisposition, or other risk factors. By measuring specific biomarkers, this panel helps in identifying cancer at an early stage, where treatment can be more effective and less invasive.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why the CA-1 Cancer Screening - Women Panel May Be Ordered

The CA-1 Cancer Screening - Women panel is often ordered for women who are at an increased risk of developing cancer. This includes women with a family history of cancer, those who carry certain genetic markers associated with increased cancer risk, or women exposed to specific environmental factors known to contribute to cancer. Healthcare providers might also recommend this screening for women as part of a routine health check-up, especially if they exhibit symptoms that could indicate cancer, such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, or unusual lumps.

What the CA-1 Cancer Screening - Women Panel Checks For

The CA-1 Cancer Screening - Women panel includes tests that are pivotal in the detection of cancer markers:

  • Alpha-Fetoprotein and AFP-L3: These markers are primarily used to detect liver cancer, but they can also indicate other malignancies in the body.

  • CA 125: This protein is elevated in ovarian cancer and is used to monitor treatment and detect recurrence.

  • CA 15-3: Elevated levels are associated with breast cancer, particularly useful in tracking the effectiveness of treatment.

  • CA 19-9: This marker is used mainly for pancreatic cancer but also for gastric and colorectal cancers.

  • CA 27.29: Another marker used in the management of breast cancer, useful for monitoring treatment response and disease progression.

Explore More with Advanced Screening Options

For those interested in a more comprehensive evaluation of their health, additional panels are available that build on the foundation provided by the CA-1 panel:

  • CA-2 Cancer Screening - Women panel: Adds tests like Amylase and Lactate Dehydrogenase, which can indicate gastrointestinal health and cellular turnover, respectively. This panel provides a broader view, helping to identify additional health concerns.

  • CA-3 Cancer Screening - Women panel: Incorporates more specific tests such as Fecal Globin by Immunochemistry for colorectal health, Gastrin for evaluating potential issues with stomach acid, and Total hCG Quantitative for pregnancy-related issues or certain types of cancer.

  • CA-4 Cancer Screening - Women panel: The most comprehensive option, this panel includes Calcitonin and Des-Gamma-Carboxy-Prothrombin markers, which are important for detecting medullary thyroid cancer and liver cancer, respectively. This panel is suitable for those seeking the most detailed health assessment.

What Conditions or Diseases the CA-1 Cancer Screening - Women Panel Can Detect

The CA-1 Cancer Screening - Women panel is crucial in detecting several types of cancer:

  • Liver Cancer: Detected through Alpha-Fetoprotein markers, which are elevated in many liver cancer cases.

  • Ovarian Cancer: CA 125 is a significant marker for diagnosing and monitoring ovarian cancer, helping to guide treatment decisions.

  • Breast Cancer: Both CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 are used to monitor breast cancer, providing insights into treatment efficacy and potential recurrence.

  • Pancreatic and Other Gastrointestinal Cancers: CA 19-9 levels can indicate pancreatic, gastric, or colorectal cancers, crucial for tracking disease progression and response to treatments.

Using the Results of the CA-1 Cancer Screening - Women Panel

Healthcare professionals utilize the results from the CA-1 panel in several ways:

  • Treatment Planning: Elevated levels of any marker can guide treatment options and strategies, ensuring personalized and effective care.

  • Monitoring Disease Progression: Regular testing can help in monitoring the course of the disease, assessing how well the current treatment is working.

  • Early Detection: Early detection of cancer increases the chances of successful treatment, significantly impacting patient outcomes.

The CA-1 Cancer Screening - Women panel offers vital insights that can lead to early detection and more effective management of cancer. It serves as a fundamental tool for those at heightened risk or with symptoms suggesting cancer. Regular screening and monitoring can significantly improve the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes, reinforcing the importance of proactive health management.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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