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Tumor Markers

CEA Carcinoembryonic Antigen

CEA is a broad tumor marker measurable as part of a preventive health assessment. Establishing a personal baseline and tracking trends over time is more informative than any single result.

Doctor's Assessment Included

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): what this test measures

CEA measures the blood concentration of carcinoembryonic antigen, a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion during early foetal development. In healthy adults, CEA is present at very low levels. Elevated concentrations may reflect increased cellular activity in various tissues.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): why this value matters

CEA is widely used to monitor certain conditions over time and assess treatment response. Because CEA can be elevated by many benign factors — most notably smoking — a single raised result should always be reviewed in full clinical context.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): when is testing worthwhile?

CEA testing is typically recommended by a healthcare provider rather than self-requested. Consult your healthcare provider before arranging this test independently.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Low or undetectable CEA levels are within the normal reference range and are not associated with specific symptoms.

High Levels

An elevated CEA does not itself cause symptoms. Important note: smoking can raise CEA significantly. Reference ranges differ for smokers and non-smokers.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): lifestyle and this value

Not smoking is the single most impactful lifestyle change for reducing CEA levels. A diet rich in vegetables, fruit, and whole grains — combined with regular physical activity and limited alcohol — supports overall colon health.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): frequently asked questions

Does an elevated CEA mean I have cancer?
No. CEA can be elevated by many benign conditions, including smoking, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver disease.
Why is there a different reference range for smokers?
Smoking stimulates CEA production and regularly causes levels to exceed the standard reference range for non-smokers.
Can CEA screen for colorectal cancer in healthy people?
No. CEA is not recommended as a population screening tool. Established colorectal screening programmes are the appropriate tools for this purpose.

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

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Complete Blood Count (CBC) Leukocyte Differential ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Albumin Total Protein Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Total Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Lipoprotein(a) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Calcium Bicarbonate Chloride Sodium Potassium Magnesium Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Testosterone Free Testosterone TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Insulin (Fasting) HOMA-IR CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Ferritin Iron (Serum) Transferrin Transferrin Saturation Vitamin D (25-OH) PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Prolactin Leptin Uric Acid Zinc
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