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Cancer is still one of the top causes of death around the globe, but advancements in early detection are enhancing results. Tumour markers, substances present in the blood, urine, or tissue, are important in early cancer identification. This article reveals how tumour markers help in detecting cancer at an early stage and the duty of cancer treatment in Malaysia.
An Overview of Tumour Markers
Tumour markers are substances found in the blood, urine, tissue or other body fluids that may provide information about certain cancers. They can sometimes help doctors monitor treatment response, assess recurrence risk or support diagnosis when used together with other tests.
However, tumour markers are not usually used on their own to screen for or diagnose cancer. Some tumour markers can be raised due to non-cancerous conditions, while some people with cancer may have normal tumour marker levels.
Certain common tumour markers include cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), each is connected to specific types of cancer.
Understanding how tumour markers are used, and their limitations, can help you make better sense of test results and know when to seek medical advice.
Can Tumour Markers Detect Cancer Early?
Tumour markers can provide useful information in cancer care, but they are not usually used on their own to screen for or diagnose cancer. Some tumour markers may be higher in people with certain cancers, but they can also be raised due to non-cancerous conditions such as inflammation, infection, benign growths or other medical conditions.
A normal tumour marker result also does not completely rule out cancer, as not all cancers produce tumour markers and some cancers may not cause marker levels to rise in the early stages.
For this reason, tumour marker tests are usually interpreted together with a person’s symptoms, medical history, physical examination and other investigations such as imaging scans, endoscopy, biopsy or tissue testing.
Tumour markers may be helpful in selected situations, such as monitoring how well cancer treatment is working, checking for recurrence after treatment, or supporting diagnosis and treatment planning when used alongside other tests. Your doctor can advise whether tumour marker testing is appropriate based on your individual risk factors and clinical condition.
How Are Tumour Markers Used in Cancer Care?
In certain cases, tumour markers can aid in detecting cancer at an early stage, even before the emergence of symptoms. Measuring tumour marker levels during cancer treatment also helps to assess the effectiveness of therapies. A dip in marker levels usually is a sign that the treatment is decreasing cancer activity, while increasing levels may indicate resistance to therapy or disease progression. In addition to this, tumour markers can offer insight into the cancer’s stage and aggressiveness. Elevated levels of specific markers may be linked to more advanced or aggressive forms of the disease, helping with prognostication and treatment planning.
After an effective cancer treatment, frequent monitoring of tumour markers can help catch recurrence at an early stage. An abrupt increase in marker levels may signal the return of said cancer, enabling swift intervention.
Tumour Markers Used in Specific Types of Cancer
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Prostate Cancer |
The most common tumour marker used for prostate cancer is called the prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Increased PSA levels can be an indication of prostate cancer, but they can be connected to non-cancerous conditions as well. |
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Ovarian Cancer |
CA-125 is a popular marker for ovarian cancer. Elevated levels of CA-125 are frequently linked to ovarian cancer even though it is not conclusive on its own, and measuring these levels can aid in detecting the disease at an early stage. |
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Colorectal Cancer |
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is frequently used to detect the presence of colorectal cancer. Other conditions can cause CEA levels to elevate, but when mixed with other diagnostic tools, it can aid in confirming a colorectal cancer diagnosis. |
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Liver Cancer |
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an important marker for liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma. Elevated AFP levels are frequently found in liver cancer patients and help identify whoever is at risk. |
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Breast Cancer |
HER2 is a gene marker linked to aggressive breast cancer. HER2 testing aids in determining if the cancer cells have higher-than-normal amounts of this protein, directing treatment strategies. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Tumour Markers
1. Does exercising help reduce your risk of developing cancer?
Yes, frequent physical activity can help reduce your risk towards a few types of cancer, by keeping a healthy weight and managing hormone levels.
2. Can tumour markers be used to diagnose all cancers?
No, not all cancers can be diagnosed using tumour markers. They are more successful for specific cancer types and are normally combined with other diagnostic tools such as imaging and biopsies.
3. How frequently should tumour markers be tested during treatment?
Based on the cancer type and the treatment plan, the frequency of tumour marker testing depends on them. Tumour markers are usually tested after every round of treatment to evaluate effectiveness.
4. Is cancer hereditary?
Most cancers are not hereditary, but a family history of cancer may be a signal of an elevated risk because of genetic or shared environmental factors.
Schedule an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals
Early cancer detection greatly improves treatment results, and tumour marker testing plays a key role in this process. If you have any questions about cancer screening or tumour marker testing, contact us to schedule an appointment at your nearest Gleneagles Hospitals. The expert team of multidisciplinary specialists can provide professional advice and guidance on detecting and treating cancer, and discuss the latest advancements in cancer care.
To schedule an appointment for a cancer screening or consultation, please contact the oncology department at your nearest Gleneagles Hospitals. You may also book an appointment by downloading the MyHealth360 application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
