General Information About the Test
Test Process and Preparation
No. CEA is not a screening test because it does not elevate in the blood in a large portion of early-stage colon cancers. For colon cancer screening, Fecal Occult Blood test and Colonoscopy should be performed.
A CEA value measured before cancer surgery returning to normal levels post-surgery indicates that the tumor has been completely removed. A rise in the value again in the following months is an early harbinger of disease relapse (recurrence).
Yes. Even in healthy individuals who smoke heavily, the CEA level in the blood can be slightly above normal. This situation is taken into consideration by the physician during the evaluation.
The information on this page is for informational purposes only. The results of medical tests must be evaluated by specialist physicians.
