Test library
Cancer Blood Marker Test
Cancer and tumor marker tests measure substances in blood or other samples that can be associated with certain cancers. They are used to support diagnosis, guide monitoring, and track how a known cancer responds to treatment.
Order Cancer & Tumor Marker Tests
Order online and visit a local collection site, or choose an at-home kit where available. No referral and no insurance required.
Order Cancer & Tumor Marker Tests- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $219
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
Cancer and tumor marker tests are laboratory tests that measure proteins, hormones, or other substances associated with particular cancers. Some markers are used to help monitor a known cancer over time, while others support an evaluation when symptoms or imaging point to a concern. No tumor marker is a perfect screening test, and results are always interpreted with other findings.
What this test measures
Tumor markers are substances that the body or a tumor may produce in larger amounts when certain cancers are present. They can be detected in blood, urine, or tissue. Examples include CA-125 for ovarian cancer, CEA for colorectal and other cancers, and PSA for prostate cancer. Each marker has its own typical uses and limitations.
These tests are most often used to monitor a cancer that has already been diagnosed, to see how well treatment is working, or to watch for recurrence after treatment. Some markers also help support an initial evaluation when combined with imaging and biopsy. The sample is usually blood, though urine and other specimens are used for specific markers.
Tumor markers can rise for reasons other than cancer, and not every cancer produces a detectable marker. That is why a single elevated result does not diagnose cancer and a normal result does not rule it out. A qualified healthcare provider selects the appropriate markers and interprets them together with the complete clinical picture.
- Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125)
- Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
- CA 19-9
- CA 15-3
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
- Beta-2 microglobulin
- Chromogranin A
Why people order this test
- Monitor a known cancer during treatment
- Track tumor marker levels over time
- Support evaluation when symptoms or imaging raise concern
- Check for recurrence after treatment
- Help classify certain cancers
- Provide information for an oncology discussion
How to prepare
Preparation depends on which tumor markers are ordered. Many tumor marker tests need no fasting, but some are collected at a specific time or in combination with other tests. A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually at the arm. Follow the instructions supplied with the order.
Understanding your results
Results are typically available within one to three business days. Each marker is reported with its own reference range, and values are interpreted in the context of the person's condition and other tests. A healthcare provider reviews the results and decides what follow-up is appropriate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tumor marker?
It is a substance that can be measured in blood, urine, or tissue and that may be elevated in some cancers. Examples include CA-125, CEA, AFP, and PSA.
Can tumor markers diagnose cancer?
No. They support evaluation and monitoring, but they cannot confirm or rule out cancer on their own. Diagnosis usually involves imaging, biopsy, and clinical judgment.
Why do marker levels change over time?
Levels can reflect how active a cancer is and how it responds to treatment. Clinicians often follow a marker over time rather than relying on a single value.
Do I need to fast?
Some tumor marker tests require no fasting, while others may be bundled with tests that do. Follow the instructions provided with your order.
Can a marker be elevated without cancer?
Yes. Many non-cancerous conditions can raise tumor marker levels, so results are always interpreted with other findings.
Ready to get tested?
Order online and visit a collection site near you, or choose a mail-in kit. No referral and no insurance required.
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Every page on this site is reviewed for clarity, sourcing, and accuracy. We update our library as testing options, collection networks, and accreditation standards change.