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CEA marker – laboratory test
  • Registered healthcare provider, RPWDL register no. 000000229528
  • Almost 700 locations within BadamySie.pl: blood collection, diagnostic tests and specialist consultations
  • We carry out tests and consultations ourselves and through subcontractors
  • Results online, no referral needed
  • Operating since 2020 as the continuation of Poland’s first online shop for medical tests (sklep.etermed.pl, since 2013)

51,30 zł

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CEA marker. A test used in the investigation of liver, colorectal, gastrointestinal, lung or breast cancer. Remember! A normal level does not rule out cancer. Moderately elevated tumour marker levels can occur in non-cancerous conditions. Tumour marker testing has a supporting role and cannot replace a clinical examination.

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Description

Whereany collection point listed in the basket
Results turnaround timeup to 2 working days
Samplevenous blood (serum)
Preparationno fasting required; avoid a large meal just before blood collection; smokers: follow your doctor’s advice

Why test for the CEA marker

CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) is a protein produced in large amounts during foetal development, but only in trace amounts in adults. Its level may rise in some cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, as well as pancreatic, stomach, lung, breast or ovarian cancer. CEA is not used to detect cancer in people without symptoms. Its main role is to provide a baseline assessment before treatment, monitor treatment effectiveness and detect recurrence after treatment, when measured regularly at the same laboratory.

When to consider this test

  • before starting treatment for a diagnosed cancer, to obtain a baseline result for comparison,
  • during chemotherapy or radiotherapy, when your doctor is assessing the response to treatment,
  • after surgery for colorectal cancer, as part of follow-up checks recommended by your oncologist,
  • during follow-up after treatment, when the trend across successive results is important,
  • when requested by a doctor as an additional test for suspected gastrointestinal cancer.

How to prepare

The test can be performed at any time of day, without fasting; simply avoid a large meal just before blood collection. Smoking raises CEA levels, so if you smoke, tell your doctor and follow any advice to stop smoking for a period before the test. For serial monitoring, it is best to repeat the test at the same laboratory, as results obtained using different methods are not fully comparable.

How to interpret the result

Result What it usually means
Within the reference range the marker is not elevated; this does not rule out cancer, as some tumours do not secrete CEA
Slightly elevated common in smokers; also seen in inflammatory and non-cancerous conditions (e.g. liver cirrhosis, gastritis, ulcers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis)
A decrease after surgery or during treatment usually indicates that treatment is effective
A renewed rise in successive measurements may suggest recurrence or disease progression; requires urgent assessment by an oncologist and imaging tests

A single result is less important than changes over time, and CEA cannot confirm or rule out cancer without other tests. Use the reference range stated on the laboratory report; this may be higher for smokers.

Other tests to consider alongside this test

CA 19-9 marker, CA 125 marker, Faecal occult blood, Full blood count, ALT. More information: Badania-Medyczne.pl.

Frequently asked questions

Does a normal CEA level rule out colorectal cancer?

No. Some cancers, especially at an early stage, do not cause CEA levels to rise, so this test is not suitable for screening. Early detection of colorectal cancer relies on other tests selected by your doctor.

Does smoking affect the CEA result?

Yes. Smokers may have moderately elevated CEA levels unrelated to cancer. Tell your doctor if you smoke, as this affects how the result is interpreted, and your doctor may advise you to stop smoking for a period before the test.

How often is CEA measured after cancer treatment?

Your oncologist sets the schedule based on the type and stage of the cancer. Testing is often performed every 3–6 months in the first few years after treatment. The trend across successive results is most important, so it is best to use the same laboratory.

Sources: ALAB laboratoria, Carcinoembryonic antigen CEA (preparation, use in monitoring and detecting recurrence); MedlinePlus, CEA Test (not used for screening, non-cancerous causes, smoking, checks every 3–6 months); Mayo Clinic Laboratories, Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Serum (levels in smokers, importance of serial measurements, dependence on the method used). This information does not replace a medical consultation.

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Where you can have this test

You choose the collection point when you order. Addresses, opening hours and preparation tips are in our city guide:

How to prepare for a blood test (fasting, medication, exercise), in Polish

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