Description

The Female Extended Cancer Panel is a comprehensive blood test designed to assess potential areas of cancer presence in the body. By measuring tumor markers, this panel can help identify early signs of lung, liver, pancreatic, gastrointestinal, breast, and ovarian cancers. This advanced testing is crucial for women who wish to monitor their health proactively and detect cancer early, when treatment options are more effective.

Why Get This Test?

  • Early Detection: Cancer markers in the blood may indicate the presence of cancer long before symptoms appear. Identifying cancer markers can facilitate early intervention, improving the chances for successful treatment.
  • Comprehensive Overview: This panel provides a broad analysis of several tumor markers linked to various cancers, offering a more complete picture of potential risks.
  • Targeted Action: If any biomarkers are elevated, healthcare providers can take appropriate next steps, such as further diagnostic testing, imaging, or biopsies, to determine the presence of cancer.

Biomarkers Tested:

AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein):

  • Primarily used to detect liver cancer, germ cell tumors, and some gastrointestinal cancers. Elevated levels may indicate the presence of liver cancer or testicular/ovarian germ cell tumors.

B-hCG (Beta-human Chorionic Gonadotropin):

  • While commonly associated with pregnancy, elevated levels of B-hCG can also signal germ cell tumors, particularly ovarian cancer.
  • CA 125 (Cancer Antigen 125):
  • A well-known tumor marker used primarily for detecting ovarian cancer. Elevated levels may indicate ovarian cancer, although it can also be elevated in other conditions, including endometriosis or fibroids.

CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3):

  • Primarily used to monitor the progression of breast cancer. Elevated levels can indicate breast cancer or recurrence, though it can also be found in other cancers, such as lung and pancreatic cancer.

CA 19-9 (Cancer Antigen 19-9):

  • A marker associated with pancreatic, gastrointestinal, and biliary tract cancers. High levels can indicate pancreatic cancer or bile duct cancer.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen):

  • Often used to detect colorectal cancer but may also be elevated in lung, breast, gastric, and pancreatic cancers. It’s typically used to monitor cancer treatment and recurrence.

Cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA 21-1):

  • A biomarker primarily used for detecting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but it can also be elevated in bladder, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers.

Test Details:

  • Fasting: Not required.
  • Function: The test measures various tumor markers in the blood, each associated with specific types of cancer. Elevated levels of these markers may suggest the presence of cancer, but further diagnostic testing is required for confirmation.
  • Uses: This panel is designed for women who want to assess multiple cancer risks at once. It can be particularly valuable for those with a family history of cancer or those who want a thorough cancer screening.

Key Points to Remember:

  • Early Detection: This panel is useful for early detection of several types of cancer, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
  • Wide Range of Tumor Markers: The Female Extended Cancer Panel includes markers for lung, liver, pancreatic, gastrointestinal, breast, and ovarian cancers, providing a broad assessment of potential cancer risks.
  • Next Steps: If any markers are elevated, your doctor may recommend additional tests, imaging studies, or biopsies to confirm whether cancer is present.

Summary:

The Cancer Panel, Female Advanced Blood Test is a powerful tool for early cancer detection, offering valuable insights into potential cancers that affect women. By analyzing tumor markers across multiple types of cancers, this panel provides a thorough assessment of your health and can help guide future diagnostic and treatment decisions.