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CEA

Cancer screening Biomarker

Sample Needed

Collection Type: Blood

Body System

Related System: Cancer screening

Overview

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a glycoprotein normally produced during fetal development and present at very low levels in healthy adults. The blood test measures circulating CEA concentration and is used primarily as a tumor marker—most commonly in colorectal cancer—though levels can be raised in other malignancies (pancreas, stomach, breast, lung) and in several benign conditions. Clinically it is more useful for monitoring treatment response and detecting recurrence than for population screening. Indications include suspected or known cancer, new unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, or surveillance after cancer treatment. Smoking raises baseline CEA; age and benign inflammatory or liver conditions can also affect levels.

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Test Preparation

Provide brief clinical history/ doctor's prescription at the time of sample collection

Why Do I Need This Test

Profile: Cancer screening / tumor marker panel - Symptoms: unexplained weight loss, blood in stool, persistent abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, or follow-up after cancer treatment - Diagnoses/monitoring: aids in detection, staging, prognosis, and monitoring for recurrence of colorectal and other cancers - Reasons for abnormal levels: cancer, smoking, inflammation, liver disease, benign GI disease - Biological meaning: elevated CEA reflects increased tumor or inflamed tissue production and/or reduced clearance - Lifestyle/family: smoking and heavy alcohol use; family history of colorectal cancer warrants testing and surveillance

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Understanding Test Results

Values up to 3 ng/mL (non-smokers) or 5 ng/mL (smokers) are generally considered normal.
Mild elevations (5–20 ng/mL) can occur with localized malignancy, inflammation (IBD, pancreatitis), benign liver disease, or smoking.
Levels >20 ng/mL raise stronger suspicion for malignancy and possible metastatic disease.
Very high values (often >100 ng/mL) strongly suggest advanced or widespread cancer, though exceptions exist.
Falling CEA after treatment indicates response; a rising trend on serial tests suggests recurrence or progression.
False negatives occur (some tumors do not secrete CEA), so results must be interpreted with imaging, clinical findings, and serial measurements.

Normal Range

0–3 ng/mL (non-smokers) OR 0–5 ng/mL (smokers)

FAQs

Q: What is the normal CEA range?

A: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) reference values vary by lab, but generally a normal CEA is below about 3 ng/mL in non-smokers and below about 5 ng/mL in smokers. Some laboratories use a single cutoff of 5 ng/mL. Levels above these values may prompt further investigation but must be interpreted with clinical context and trends over time.

Q: What is CEA disease?

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Q: What causes a high CEA level?

A: A high carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level can result from several causes. Malignancies—especially colorectal cancer but also lung, pancreatic, gastric, breast and others—often raise CEA. Noncancerous causes include smoking, inflammatory conditions (IBD, pancreatitis), liver disease or cirrhosis, infections, and recent surgery. CEA is used for monitoring, not as a standalone diagnostic test, and must be interpreted in clinical context.

Q: What is CEA in India?

A: CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) is a blood tumor marker used in India to help monitor cancers—most commonly colorectal, but also pancreatic, gastric, lung and breast. It’s not a definitive screening test because levels can rise with smoking, inflammation or benign conditions. Physicians use serial CEA measurements to track treatment response and detect recurrence; interpretation depends on clinical context.

Q: Is CEA a good tumor marker?

A: CEA can be a useful tumor marker—especially in colorectal cancer—for monitoring treatment response and detecting recurrence, since levels often reflect tumor burden. However, it is neither highly sensitive nor specific: benign conditions (smoking, inflammation, liver disease) and other cancers can raise CEA, so it’s unsuitable for screening or definitive diagnosis. Serial measurements and baseline values improve clinical utility.

Q: How to reduce CEA level?

A: Reduce CEA by treating the underlying cause: follow recommended cancer therapies (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation) if indicated, and control infections, inflammation, or liver disease. Stop smoking, limit alcohol, maintain healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. Arrange regular monitoring and follow-up with your physician to track CEA trends and adjust management as needed.