Understanding Tumour Markers: What Your Blood Test Can Reveal About Cancer Risk
What are tumor markers? Learn how these substances, found in blood tests, can reveal important insights about cancer risk, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment effectiveness.
Written by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam
Reviewed by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula MBBS
Last updated on 10th Sep, 2025
If you are health-conscious and want to take proactive steps to reduce your cancer risk, understanding tumour markers is a good place to begin. Tumour markers are substances, often proteins, produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer. These can be detected through a simple tumour marker test, which is a type of cancer risk blood test. While these markers are not used alone to diagnose cancer, they offer valuable insights into your overall risk, help track the effectiveness of treatment, and monitor for recurrence. In this article, we’ll explore what tumour markers are, how tumour marker tests work, what they can reveal about your health, and why routine screening might be a wise decision, especially as you age. You’ll also learn how to book reliable and hassle-free tumour marker tests through Apollo 24|7.
What Are Tumour Markers?
Tumour markers are biological substances that are found in the blood, urine, or tissues of some people with cancer. These markers can be produced by the cancer itself or by the body as a response to abnormal growth. Not all cancers produce tumour markers, and not all elevated tumour markers indicate cancer, which is why interpretation requires medical guidance.
Some common tumour markers include:
- CA 125 – Often elevated in ovarian cancer
- PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) – Linked to prostate cancer
- CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) – Can be elevated in colon, rectal, or lung cancers
- CA 15.3 – Associated with breast cancer
- AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) – Used in liver and testicular cancers
- CA 19.9 – Commonly used in pancreatic or gastrointestinal cancers
Each marker corresponds to certain types of cancers but may also be elevated due to non-cancerous conditions such as infections, inflammation, or benign growths. Still, when combined with symptoms, imaging, or other diagnostic methods, tumour marker tests can support early detection and continuous monitoring.
Why You Might Need a Tumour Marker Test?
You may be advised to undergo a tumour marker test for several reasons. While most people associate these tests with existing cancer treatment, they are increasingly used in routine health checks for cancer risk blood testing, especially if you have:
- A family history of cancer
- Previously treated or cured cancer (to monitor recurrence)
- Symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or persistent pain
- Abnormal imaging results requiring further investigation
- Concerns about high-risk lifestyle habits (e.g. smoking, alcohol, obesity)
- A desire to undergo preventive screening to monitor health proactively
In many cases, early-stage cancers may not cause any noticeable symptoms. A blood test that picks up changes in tumour marker levels can provide an early signal that something may need further investigation, giving you a chance to act before the condition progresses.
How Tumour Marker Tests Work?
Tumour marker tests are typically blood tests that measure the concentration of specific proteins or chemicals in the bloodstream. Depending on your symptoms, family history, or the organ in question, your doctor may recommend one or more marker tests.
1. When Is the Test Done?
These tests are not limited to any specific time of the month or condition. However, if you're undergoing treatment, the tests may be repeated at intervals to see how your tumour marker levels are changing. For annual screenings or risk evaluation, your doctor may suggest one test per year or as needed based on your age and history.
2. What to Expect During the Test?
The test is straightforward. A sample of your blood is collected, usually from a vein in your arm. It takes only a few minutes and does not require hospital admission. After the sample is collected, you can resume your normal activities immediately.
3. How to Prepare?
You may not need to fast for most tumour marker tests. However, your doctor will advise if fasting is required or if any medications should be paused before testing. Make sure to inform your healthcare provider about any ongoing treatments, supplements, or herbal products you are using, as these may affect the results.
What the Results Can Reveal?
Tumour marker levels are usually given as numerical values. Your doctor will interpret these based on reference ranges, changes over time, and your clinical background.
Here’s a brief overview of what some results may suggest:
- Elevated CA 125 may indicate ovarian cancer but can also rise during menstruation or endometriosis.
- High PSA levels could signal prostate cancer, but levels may also increase with prostate infections or enlargement.
- Raised CEA is sometimes found in colorectal cancers, especially in advanced stages, but smoking can also elevate this marker.
- Increased CA 15.3 levels may point to breast cancer progression.
- High AFP may suggest liver cancer or testicular cancer in males.
- Elevated CA 19.9 levels may point toward pancreatic or bile duct cancer.
It's important to understand that one abnormal result is not a cancer diagnosis. Rather, it’s a prompt for further evaluation, which might include imaging studies like ultrasound, MRI, or biopsy.
Annual Screening for Peace of Mind
As we grow older or if we have a strong family history of cancer, regular screening can help catch abnormalities early. For many types of cancer, early detection dramatically improves treatment success rates. Even in the absence of symptoms, adults over 40, especially those with risk factors, should consider annual tumour marker testing as part of their preventive health strategy.
Screening once a year:
- Encourages timely detection of early-stage cancers
- Offers a baseline for comparison in future years
- Reduces anxiety by offering clarity about your current health
- Helps your doctor personalise future diagnostic or treatment plans
Who Should Consider a Tumour Marker Test?
You may want to consider tumour marker screening if:
- You are above 40 and want to start annual health monitoring
- You have a family history of cancer (especially breast, prostate, colon, or ovarian)
- You’ve had cancer in the past and want to monitor for recurrence
- You have chronic health issues such as hepatitis, which can increase liver cancer risk
- You smoke or have a history of tobacco use
- You notice persistent unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, bloating, or loss of appetite
Remember, these tests are most useful when they are part of a broader health check, not as standalone cancer diagnostic tools.
Book Trusted Tumour Marker Tests with Apollo 24|7
Apollo 24|7 makes booking your tumour marker test simple and stress-free. Whether you are looking for a one-time screen or want to include these tests in your annual check-up, Apollo offers high-quality diagnostics backed by expert reporting.
Some popular cancer risk blood tests available on Apollo 24|7 include:
1. AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein) Test
Useful for screening liver and testicular cancers.
Book AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein) Test
2. CA 19.9 – Pancreatic Cancer Marker
Best for individuals at risk of pancreatic or bile duct cancers.
Book CA 19.9 – Pancreatic Cancer Marker
3. CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)
For colon, rectal, and lung cancer risk monitoring.
Book CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)
4. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
Book CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)
A must for men aged 45+ to assess prostate health and cancer risk.
With home sample collection, quick results, and expert advice, Apollo 24|7 helps you stay in control of your health.
Conclusion
Your health is your most valuable asset, and staying one step ahead can make all the difference. Understanding what tumour marker tests are and how they fit into your broader wellness plan can empower you to take control of your cancer risk. These cancer risk blood tests are not just for people undergoing treatment or those already diagnosed. They’re tools for early detection, prevention, and peace of mind. Whether you're concerned due to family history or simply want to make health a priority, consider booking your tumour marker test today with Apollo 24|7. Timely screening could be the step that saves your life.
