Blood Drug Testing

Blood Tests used to Diagnose Cancer? Does this Happen?

Other than the PSA test which I am familiar with, does anyone know if there is any particular Blood Tests that can be run to give an indication the Cancer is present if any of a number of Organs or Body Systems or other tissue? Please advise! Thanks!

Public Comments

1. There are a number of tumour markers which can be picked up in the blood. The most commonly used are CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) which may be raised with colon cancer and CA-125 which is associated with ovarian cancer.
2. Only a biopsy can definitively provide a cancer diagnosis. Some blood tests can be used as indicators. These are done by looking for levels of antigens specific to the cancer. CEA - carcinoembryonic antigen for colon and other cancers PSA - prostate specific antigen for prostate cancer Abnormal blood counts can be an indicator for leukemia or other cancer. Abnormal levels of certain chemicals can be used as an indicator for further investigation too.