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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 proteins or other substances created by cancer cells or the body in reaction to cancer. They are frequently present in higher-than-usual levels in cancer patients. Although solely relying on tumour markers is insufficient for a diagnosis, they are crucial for detecting cancer early, monitoring treatment progress, and detecting cancer recurrence. 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.
The Importance of Tumour Markers
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.
