Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)

The Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) test is primarily used as a tumor marker to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in patients diagnosed with certain cancers, most notably colorectal cancer. It is exceptionally helpful because it acts as a tracking system for your health. By measuring the levels of this protein in the blood, doctors can determine if a surgical procedure was successful, if chemotherapy is working, or if the cancer has returned (recurrence). While not used as a standalone screening tool for the general population—since non-cancerous conditions like smoking or inflammation can also raise levels—it provides vital, real-time data that helps clinicians make informed decisions about adjusting your treatment plan.