Cancer affects nearly everyone at some point in their lives, either directly or indirectly. Breast cancer is an especially prevalent form of this tragic disease.
Invasive breast cancer affects 1 in 8 American women. Although men can develop breast cancer, it is about 100 times more likely to occur in women. Some other risk factors include
- Age
- Weight
- Diet
- Lifestyle choices
In many cases, this disease proves fatal. However, the chances of a positive outcome are much higher in cases of early detection. This is why many people choose to carry out a mammogram and breast cancer lab tests at regular intervals throughout their lives.
This article will discuss what breast health lab tests are and why they are important. Read on to find out everything you need to know.
What Are Breast Health Lab Tests?
Breast health lab tests are series of blood tests that can determine the health of a women's breasts.
As well as mammograms and self-checks of the breast, blood testing is an effective method of detecting breast cancer. Many different types of tests can help to detect abnormalities within the breasts.
There are three main categories of breast cancer testing that are normally carried out which are screening, diagnostic, and monitoring tests.
Screening refers to tests routinely given to women who are healthy. A diagnostic test is a type of test performed when it's suspected that a woman has breast cancer. Monitoring tests are tests performed when a woman has breast cancer and needs to keep a close eye on her condition.
Benefits of Breast Health Lab Testing
Early detection of breast cancer greatly raises the chances of a person recovering from the disease. Breast health lab testing can help women to be able to catch breast cancer early. It can also help to monitor the severity of an already existing condition.
According to the American Cancer Society, when you detect breast cancer early the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. This is why early detection is so important.
For some women, regular breast cancer testing is recommended. For example, women who have immediate relatives who have had breast cancer are at a greater risk of developing the disease themselves. Likewise, women over the age of 45 are also at a higher risk and should get tested on a regular basis.
What Type of Breast Health Lab Tests Are Available?
There are several different kinds of breast health lab tests that are available. The two main types Ulta Lab Tests offers are The Breast Health Foundation Panel and The Breast Health Foundation Panel along with Cancer Screening. Each of these panels contains a number of different tests.
ABO Group and Rh Type
This test determines a person's blood type. Possible ABO blood groups include O, A, B, or AB. The Rh refers to an antigen that may or may not be present on the surface of red blood cells; whether a person is RH positive or not can have an effect on response to treatment and tumor progression.
CA 15-3
The CA 15-3 test is also known as the cancer antigen 15-3 test. It is used to monitor response to breast cancer treatment and recurrence of the disease. Conditions other than breast cancer can also cause an elevated CA 15-3 test result.
Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets Blood Test
The CBC test has a number of uses. Aside from detecting the overall health of the body, it can be used to detect certain cancers. It can also help to monitor the body's response to cancer treatments.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
The CMP includes 21 separate measurements. This panel tests how well different body functions are working. When high calcium levels are detected in this test, it can be a sign of breast cancer.
Creatine Kinase Total
This test checks levels of the enzyme creatine kinase in the blood. This enzyme is found in the brain, heart, and musculoskeletal system. High levels of CK in the blood can be a sign of an advanced tumor, among other things.
Hemoglobin A1c
The HgbA1C test measures levels of hemoglobin A1c in the blood. Low levels of this type of hemoglobin can indicate a higher risk of cancer. It is usually used to test for diabetes.
C-Reactive Protein Cardiac (hs-CRP)
The hs-CRP test is used to detect lower levels of C-reactive protein. High CRP levels have been linked to an increased risk of developing cancer. This protein denotes inflammation in the body.
Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity
The TIBC test checks the body's ability to attach itself to iron and transport it around the body. Lower serum iron and total iron-binding capacity can be a sign of cancer. This test can detect if someone has an iron deficiency.
Lactate Dehydrogenase
This test measures levels of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase in the blood. This enzyme is involved in energy production. This test can help to measure response to treatment of breast cancer.
Sed Rate by Modified Westergren
The ESR test helps to diagnose conditions associated with acute and chronic inflammation. Breast cancer can be one such disease. It can also help to monitor the progression of a disease.
Vitamin B12
This test, also known as a Cobalamin test, measures B12 levels. It is usually used to confirm a suspected B12 deficiency. However, elevated levels of B12 can be an indicator of cancer.
Ferritin
The ferritin test measures levels of this blood protein in the body. It can detect iron deficiencies. Breast cancer can cause blood ferritin levels to be high.
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy, Total, Immunoassay
This test checks vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is necessary for proper immune function. Some studies have found links between low vitamin D levels and a higher risk of certain cancers.
Breast Health Lab Panels FAQs
Below are some common questions regarding breast health lab panels, their benefits, and their uses.
Who Should Get a Breast Health Lab Panel?
If you're a woman who exhibits risk factors for cancer or are over the age of 45, you may want to get a breast health lab panel done. You can also use it to monitor your body's response to cancer treatment.
How Is the Panel Conducted?
A phlebotomist at an authorized patient service center will draw your blood and then send it to the nearest national testing facility for the tests to be performed. Then the sample gets taken away for testing. You should receive your results within a couple of days.
Benefits of Breast Health Lab Tests and a Breast Cancer Test
If you have worries about your breast health, you may want to order breast health lab tests or a breast cancer test today. Ulta Lab Tests offers highly accurate and reliable tests so you can make informed decisions regarding your health.
With Ulta, you'll get secure and confidential results, you don't need health insurance, and you'll always get affordable pricing. Take control of your health and order your breast health lab tests with Ulta Lab tests today.
