Ulta Lab Tests

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: Carcinoembryonic Antigen

Cea

The CEA test measures the level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the blood. CEA is a protein normally found in the tissue of a developing baby in the womb. The blood level of this protein disappears or becomes very low after birth. In adults, an abnormal level of CEA may be a sign of cancer.
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The Cancer Screening - Women panel contains 5 tests with 6 biomarkers .

Brief Description: The Cancer Screening - Women Panel is a comprehensive set of blood tests designed to detect various cancer markers in women. This panel assesses levels of specific proteins that can be elevated in the presence of certain types of cancer. By measuring these markers, healthcare providers can gain valuable insights into a patient's risk of having cancer, monitor the progression of the disease, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

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

The Cancer Screening - Women Panel may be ordered for women who are at an increased risk of cancer due to family history, genetic predisposition, or other risk factors. It may also be used to monitor patients who have been previously diagnosed with cancer, to assess the effectiveness of treatment, and to check for recurrence of the disease.

What the Cancer Screening - Women Panel Checks For

Alpha-Fetoprotein and AFP-L3

Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that can be elevated in liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and in other cancers such as germ cell tumors. The AFP-L3 fraction is a specific subtype of AFP that is more closely associated with liver cancer. High levels of AFP and a high percentage of AFP-L3 can indicate the presence of liver cancer or germ cell tumors.

CA 125

CA 125 is a protein that is often elevated in ovarian cancer. It can also be elevated in other conditions, including endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and during menstruation or pregnancy. Elevated levels of CA 125 can suggest the presence of ovarian cancer, especially in postmenopausal women or those with a family history of the disease.

CA 15-3

CA 15-3 is a marker that can be elevated in breast cancer. It is not typically used for screening or diagnosis but can be helpful in monitoring treatment response and detecting recurrence in women previously diagnosed with the disease.

CA 19-9

CA 19-9 is most commonly associated with pancreatic cancer but can also be elevated in other gastrointestinal cancers, such as gallbladder and bile duct cancers. Elevated levels can indicate the presence of these cancers, particularly in individuals with symptoms or risk factors.

CEA

Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a protein that can be elevated in several types of cancer, including colorectal, stomach, pancreatic, lung, and breast cancers. It is primarily used to monitor treatment response and detect cancer recurrence rather than for screening or diagnosis.

Conditions or Diseases Detected by the Cancer Screening - Women Panel

The Cancer Screening - Women Panel can detect and monitor several types of cancer, offering critical information for early detection and management.

Ovarian Cancer

Characterized by the growth of cancerous cells within the ovary. Elevated CA 125 levels can suggest the presence of ovarian cancer, particularly in high-risk or symptomatic women.

Breast Cancer

The most common cancer in women, identified by the growth of malignant cells in breast tissue. CA 15-3 can help monitor treatment response and detect recurrence in previously diagnosed cases.

Liver Cancer

Including hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cancer involves malignant cell growth in the liver. High levels of AFP and AFP-L3 can indicate liver cancer.

Pancreatic and Gastrointestinal Cancers

Pancreatic cancer arises in the pancreas, while gastrointestinal cancers can involve the gallbladder, bile ducts, and stomach. Elevated CA 19-9 levels can suggest the presence of these cancers.

Various Cancers Including Colorectal and Lung Cancer

CEA is elevated in several cancers, including colorectal and lung, and is used to monitor treatment effectiveness and detect recurrence.

Using the Results in Treatment and Monitoring

Ovarian Cancer

Elevated CA 125 levels can lead to further diagnostic testing for ovarian cancer and, if diagnosed, to monitor treatment response and check for recurrence.

Breast Cancer

CA 15-3 is used to monitor treatment response and for recurrence detection in women previously diagnosed with breast cancer.

Liver Cancer

High AFP and AFP-L3 levels guide the diagnosis and monitoring of liver cancer, helping to evaluate treatment effectiveness and monitor for recurrence.

Pancreatic and Gastrointestinal Cancers

Elevated CA 19-9 levels can indicate the need for further testing for pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cancers and monitor treatment response.

Various Cancers

Elevated CEA levels are used to monitor treatment response and detect recurrence in several cancers, including colorectal and lung cancers.

The Cancer Screening - Women Panel plays a crucial role in the early detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of various cancers in women. By measuring specific markers associated with different types of cancer, this panel provides valuable information that can guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes. Healthcare professionals can use these results to tailor treatment plans, monitor the effectiveness of therapies, and detect any recurrence of the disease, ultimately contributing to more personalized and effective cancer care.

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

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