Once you’ve been through a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery, there’s one question that will always be on your mind: Will my cancer return?
You may have heard about, or been asked by family or friends if breast cancer recurrence can be monitored by a blood test. This is a test for tumor markers, which can potentially detect cancer activity in the body.
What are tumor markers?
Tumor markers, or biomarkers, are made by cancer or other cells of the body in response to cancer or certain benign (noncancerous) conditions. They are measured in not only blood, but also in urine, blood or other tissues or bodily fluids.
Tumor markers do have their limitations, meaning there is no universal tumor marker that can detect cancer. Sometimes, noncancerous conditions can cause levels of certain tumor markers to increase. And not everyone with a certain type of cancer will have a higher level of a tumor marker connected with that cancer.
How are tumor markers used in breast cancer care?
Tumor markers can be helpful to screen, diagnose, determine treatment effectiveness or look for recurrence. But this one test is never used alone, but as one tool or resource in the overall process.
Tumor markers can be high in a healthy person, or low in a person with cancer, leading to false relief or fear in patients. Studies have determined tumor markers are not helpful to look for recurrence, for a patient who has no symptoms or evidence of cancer, after treatment.
For breast cancer that has spread to other organs, the medical oncologist may use cancer antigen 15-3, (CA 15-3), cancer antigen 27.29, (CA 27.29 or carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). These tests are helpful as a clue something may be changing, but other types of tests are needed to confirm what is actually happening.
Trust the breast cancer experts
It is very normal to be concerned breast cancer will return. Your doctor can help you understand the best ways to improve your health, what changes to look for, and when to make an appointment.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology, (ASCO) recommends continuing regular visits with your oncologist every three to six months for three years, then every six to 12 months for two years. For patients who had breast conserving surgery or removal of one breast, mammograms are advised one year after breast cancer diagnosis, or six months after completing radiation therapy.
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Posted In Cancer, Genetics, Health Information, Imaging, Women's
