Blood Tests

Public Archive
1

Anbody know exactly what blood tests can show up, i’ve seen some threads and people mention cancer markers, don’t really understand.
Lesleyxx

2

Neither do I, Lesley. I thought I read some time ago that breast cancer doesn’t have markers that show in the blood, but that other cancers do.

Ann x

3

I have this test, CA15-3 markers, taken every 3 weeks. labtestsonline.org.uk/understanding/analytes/ca15_3/glance.html

4

I once asked my breast care nurse about actual tumour markers and she told me they don’t get checked unless they are suspicious there may be a secondary. However, I believe tumour markers are totally different to the regular tests they do.

5

Hi Lesley

If you want to give the BCC helpline a call they will be able to provide you with further information and answer any questions you may have with regard to this subject. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open 9 to 5pm Saturday.

I hope this is helpful.

Kind regards
Sam (BCC Facilitator)

6

Thanks Belinda - interesting link.

AlexG

7

I had a different marker checked which is CA 125. I know that CA 125 can be raised with ovarian cancer but can also be for breast cancer.

Mine was high when I was diagnosed and I did have a large tumour (lobular). The marker dropped dramatically once I started chemo which I had before surgery. Mine was checked throughout the treatment but I wasn’t told it was becuase they suspected secondaries - now I’m worried!

Elinda

8

Elinda,I wouldn’t worry as I think it’s like everything else - tests vary from clinic to clinic and are subject to the opinions of the oncologists. I’ve read postings on here from ladies who pretty much had the same type of diagnosis as myself, yet who were sent for various scans. In my on case I only had a chest x-ray, despite being told my tumour was stage 3, aggressive, Her2+ and in one of my lymph nodes. Three years on I’m fine.