Tumour marker blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Tumour-associated markers are proteins that some cancers can release into the blood, but that are also produced by healthy tissue and raised by many everyday conditions. This panel measures alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (bHCG), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA 19-9, neuron specific enolase (NSE) and, in the female version, CA 125 and CA 15-3. The male version has five markers.

In NHS practice these markers are used mainly to monitor people already diagnosed and treated, and sometimes to support investigations alongside scans and examination. None of them is reliable enough to screen healthy people for cancer, which is why we only offer this panel with a practitioner review.

Your price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have had cancer and your specialist has asked for markers to be checked between appointments.
• Your GP or specialist has suggested one of these markers as part of a wider assessment.
• You understand that a raised marker is common and often harmless, and you want the result explained in context.
• You want a baseline reading to compare with in future, read with a practitioner.

Understanding your result

Your report shows each marker against the laboratory reference range. Many things can raise these proteins: CEA is often higher in smokers and with bowel inflammation, CA 19-9 with gallstones or pancreatitis, AFP with liver inflammation, CA 125 during periods, pregnancy or endometriosis, and NSE when a sample is slightly haemolysed. A normal result does not rule out cancer, and a raised one does not diagnose it.

If a marker is above the range, your practitioner will look at your history and symptoms, may suggest a repeat test after a few weeks to see the trend, and will recommend seeing your GP where further assessment is needed. A single result is always a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed. Biotin supplements can interfere with some of these immunoassays, so pause biotin or hair, skin and nails supplements for at least two days where it is safe to do so. Tell us if you could be pregnant, as pregnancy raises bHCG and AFP. If you have symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, a lump, bleeding or a change in bowel habit, please see your GP, as these need an examination rather than a blood test alone.

These markers also appear in Omnia Signature, where they sit within a very broad review. For men, the PSA tests are separate. You can also see every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a tumour marker blood test in Chiswick?

The Tumour Marker Panel costs £99. This includes your blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Can a tumour marker test tell me if I have cancer?

No. These markers can be raised by many non-cancer conditions, and many cancers do not raise them. They cannot diagnose, rule out or screen for cancer.

Why are the female and male versions different?

The female version includes CA 125 and CA 15-3, which are used mainly in relation to ovarian and breast tissue. The male version has five markers.

What happens if a marker is raised?

Your practitioner will explain common causes, may suggest a repeat test to look at the trend, and will advise seeing your GP if further checks are needed.