How is it used? CEA is most useful to monitor treatment of cancer patients. It is used with patients who have had surgery to measure response to therapy and to monitor whether the disease is recurring. A blood test for CEA is often used as a tumor marker . Physicians can use CEA results to determine the stage and extent of disease and the outlook in patients with cancer, especially gastrointestinal (GI) and, in particular, colorectal cancer . CEA is also used as a marker for other forms of cancer. It has been found helpful in monitoring patients with cancer of the rectum, lung, breast, liver, pancreas, stomach, and ovary. Not all cancers produce CEA; therefore, the CEA test is not used for screening the general population. [ Back to top ] When is it ordered? A CEA test is ordered when the patient’s symptoms suggest the possibility of cancer. The CEA level is also tested before treatment in cancer patients, especially patients with GI cancers. CEA levels are monitored during therapy. It...
HNPCC is a heredity form of Colon Cancer that can be passed through generations of family undetected.