{"id":154,"date":"2022-04-25T04:21:02","date_gmt":"2022-04-25T04:21:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drwinstonwoon.com\/blog\/?p=154"},"modified":"2022-04-25T04:21:02","modified_gmt":"2022-04-25T04:21:02","slug":"health-screening-raised-cancer-markers-cea-ca-19-9-and-afp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drwinstonwoon.com\/blog\/health-screening-raised-cancer-markers-cea-ca-19-9-and-afp\/","title":{"rendered":"Health Screening – Raised Cancer Markers CEA, Ca 19-9 and aFP"},"content":{"rendered":"

25th April 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

Singapore is an affluent society.\u00a0 Many people who live in this country undergo annual health screening.\u00a0 Many of these health screening packages include numerous tumour markers.\u00a0 Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (Ca 19.9) and alpha fetoprotein (afp) are some of the tumour markers which I often come across.\u00a0 In this passage, I will only discuss the most common cancer associated with these tumour markers.\u00a0 Please keep in mind that the above tumour markers can also be elevated in other types of cancers.<\/p>\n

CEA – This is a common test used for colon cancer screening.\u00a0 One thing to keep in mind is that this tumour marker is elevated in less then 50% of patients with colon cancer.\u00a0 Colorectal cancer patients with a high CEA tend to have advanced disease or metastatic disease. Meaning the colon cancer has spread to other organs such as the liver.\u00a0 In simple terms, a normal CEA level does not necessarily mean that you do not have colon cancer.<\/p>\n

Ca 19-9 – Pancreatic cancer is a rare cancer.\u00a0 Approximately 80% of pancreatic cancers will cause a rise in\u00a0 ca 19-9 levels.\u00a0 Therefore, Ca 19-9 is a useful marker for managing pancreatic cancers. After surgery or chemotherapy, the Ca 19-9 level may drop which indicates a response to treatment.<\/p>\n

The role of using Ca 19-9 for screening is less clear.\u00a0 In Australia where I previously worked and trained in, Ca 19-9 is not routinely ordered in health screening.\u00a0 I will request for a Ca 19-9 level only after the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.\u00a0 This is to monitor the response to treatment.<\/p>\n

aFP – alpha fetoprotein is associated with primary liver cancer.\u00a0 Approximately 60% of patients with liver cancer will have an elevated aFP.\u00a0 Common risk factors for liver cancer is hepatitis B, hepatitis C and various causes of liver cirrhosis.<\/p>\n

Hepatitis B is prevalent in South East Asia.\u00a0 However, with the introduction of hepatitis vaccination, the number of people with hepatitis B is starting to diminish.\u00a0 A simple blood test can check for hepatitis B and C status.<\/p>\n

People with hepatitis B can be controlled with medications.\u00a0 Regular screening with aFP and liver ultrasound can detect early liver cancers.\u00a0 Early detection improves survival.<\/p>\n

Hepatitis C can be cured with medications.\u00a0 So this risk factor for liver cancer can be eliminated completely.<\/p>\n

This blog will not be able to cover every aspect of raised tumour markers. If you have any concerns regarding a raised tumour marker, please feel free to contact us.<\/p>\n

Stay safe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Tail of pancreas tumour.\u00a0 Laparoscopic excision.<\/em><\/p>\n

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25th April 2022 Singapore is an affluent society.\u00a0 Many people who live in this country undergo annual health screening.\u00a0 Many of these health screening packages include numerous tumour markers.\u00a0 Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (Ca 19.9) and alpha fetoprotein (afp) are some of the tumour markers which I often come across.\u00a0 In this passage, I will only discuss the most common…
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