The CA25 blood test is used to detect markers that may suggest the presence of cancer. These cancer antigens are specifically ordered for breast cancer. Many medical providers will use this test to monitor the cancer after a treatment plan has been implemented, but it may also be used to determine the presence of cancer in some patients. Certain situations and health conditions can naturally raise CA25 levels, so it is important to always discuss any personal concerns with the attending doctor as the test results are discussed.
The issue here is that most breast cancers tend to be invasive ductal carcinomas and detecting them at an early stage can be difficult. More than 180,000 women in the US will be diagnosed with this form of breast cancer within the next 12 months. Two out of three women who will be diagnosed will be above the age of 55. Men can also be affected by this cancer.
When To Speak To Your Doctor About the CA25 Blood Test
The cancer antigen markers become more reliable as the staging for the cancer continues to progress. They are typically of the most benefit is there is a stage 3 or stage 4 cancer suspected. Certain rare types of cancer may also benefit from this test.
Most men and women who are diagnosed with breast cancer will discover a “lump” within their breast tissue. Any time something is discovered that shouldn’t be there, it is important to schedule an appointment right away for an examination. A biopsy may be taken of the mass and the CA25 blood test may be ordered to determine if certain types of cancer cells are within the body.
It is important to remember that this test is not considered a screening test. It is used primarily to determine if a treatment plan is working, if the cancer has spread before starting a treatment plan, or if the cancer has come back again after treatment.
What Do My CA25 Blood Test Results Mean?
There are several different factors that may affect the outcome of the CA25 blood test results. The method that each laboratory uses can even affect the results of the test. What does this mean? Even if your test results are considered abnormal based on the result sequence discussed below, there may not be a health problem that needs to be addressed.
In other words, a positive CA25 blood test does not necessarily mean that someone has cancer or they have experienced a relapse. It also means that a negative test result does not necessarily mean that there isn’t cancer that is present. Certain types of cancer can create positive results in addition to breast cancer, so it is often just one test in a series of tests that is used to determine what kind of treatment plan may need to be developed.
In general, any test results that are below 30 U/mL will be considered a normal test result. If test results are below 38, then it may mean that there is not an active cancer that is present. Any results that are above 38 may mean that there is an active cancer present or there is another condition that is causing the cancer antigen levels to increase.
Here’s What You Need To Know
Certain types of cancer tend to run in families. It may be possible to have an elevated CA25 blood test result because of a genetic disposition toward cancer development. Certain viruses are also known to trigger specific cancers and the presence of this virus may also trigger a higher level of cancer antigen that could be detected by the test.
Other than a family history of cancer, there are certain risk factors that also place individuals at a higher overall risk. This includes age, being overweight or obese, and the use of hormone replacement therapies for other health conditions. It is important to speak with your doctor about all of your risk factors and your family history of cancer so an informed decision.
It is also common for an ultrasound to be ordered in conjunction with the CA25 blood test. Even if a recent imaging is on file, the invasive cancers can grow rather quickly, sometimes within days or weeks, and make the previous imaging be invalid.
The CA25 blood test may be useful when combined with other tests to determine how fast a cancer has spread, if a treatment plan is working, or if a cancer has relapsed. It isn’t used as a screening tool for cancer, but may help to determine how severe an existing cancer may be. Consider this information when discussing available options with your doctor to determine what the best course of treatment may be – or if a course of treatment is even necessary.