Table of contents:
- Tumor markers? What it is?
- Where are these analyzes done? How much is it?
- Sounds simple! So everyone is encouraged to do this testing?
- Why can't tumor markers show for sure if I have cancer?
- What analysis can be done instead of a test for tumor markers?
- When is it necessary to do a genetic test?
- What else can you do to find out your risk factors?
- What if the screening results are bad?
- But what if there are no risk factors, but I'm still afraid?
2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44
All about when you should and shouldn't do popular testing.
Tumor markers? What it is?
A tumor marker is a special case of a biomarker. A biomarker is a trait that indicates events in a biological system. For example, in the human body. To isolate this characteristic, doctors analyze human fluids and tissues (this can be blood, serum, adipose tissue) and see if the content of certain substances exceeds the maximum permissible values.
Accordingly, the substances that the body produces in response to the tumor process will be considered tumor markers. As a rule, these are proteins and protein complexes with carbohydrates.
In practice, a tumor marker test is a routine analysis of blood, urine, saliva or other biological fluid or tissue.
Where are these analyzes done? How much is it?
The tumor marker test is done by many commercial laboratories and diagnostic centers. An analysis for one tumor marker costs about 1,000 rubles on average.
In clinics, tests for several types of antigens can be done to detect various cancers - sometimes up to 20 pieces.
Sounds simple! So everyone is encouraged to do this testing?
No. Specialists use tumor markers to confirm an already established diagnosis, monitor an existing disease, adjust prescriptions and much more. Publication of the major oncological journal European Journal of Cancer. However, it is more of an auxiliary tool that a specialist uses when necessary, rather than a way to clarify your status.
Oncologists do not recommend Patient Guide to Tumor Markers to take a test for tumor markers for relatively healthy people, that is, for those who simply ask the question: "Do I have cancer?" - and wants to play it safe. This is because such tests do not guarantee an accurate result and do not give the full picture.
Why can't tumor markers show for sure if I have cancer?
Tumors are of different types, and some of the tumor markers may indicate one type, and some may indicate several. At the same time, there are no markers that would identify all types of cancer in the early stages and would not respond to other stimuli National Cancer Institute: What are tumor markers? …
That is, no one can guarantee that the appearance of a tumor marker is associated specifically with cancer. Non-neoplastic diseases such as inflammation can have the same effect. In addition, not all people with certain types of cancer have the appropriate tumor markers.
Although tumor markers help to understand whether a tumor is responding to treatment, their sensitivity and specificity are insufficient to diagnose cancer. Cancer Institute: Can tumor markers be used in cancer screening? … Other tests are required to be diagnosed with cancer. For example, a biopsy.
What analysis can be done instead of a test for tumor markers?
The likelihood of developing cancer is indicated by genetic testing for hereditary tumor syndrome. It was this study that helped Angelina Jolie, whose three close relatives died of breast and ovarian cancer, decide on preventive surgery.
The most common cancers in women are breast and ovarian cancers, which are tested for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 Cancer Risks. In men, this is a PSA (total prostate specific antigen) test indicating prostate cancer Screening for Prostate Cancer With Prostate-Specific Antigen Testing: American Society of Clinical Oncology Provisional Clinical Opinion.
In the summer and autumn of 2018, the Moscow Healthcare Department carried out such screening free of charge as part of the Large-scale program for the early detection of oncological diseases for the early detection of oncological diseases. To get free tests in your city, follow the news from your local ministry of health.
Alternatively, genetic testing can be done in private clinics. On average, it costs 3-4 thousand rubles for women and up to 1 thousand rubles for men.
Also, laboratories offer to do genetic tests for gene mutations that cause colorectal cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, and to evaluate various risk factors in terms of genetic predisposition. For example, the risk of developing cancer when smoking or eating fried and smoked foods.
Prices for such studies vary greatly in different clinics and range from several thousand rubles to several tens of thousands, depending on how wide the panel of possible mutations is covered.
When is it necessary to do a genetic test?
Usually, cancer develops in humans under the influence of carcinogenic factors. However, many cancers are the result of genetic mutations that are inherited.
Therefore, a risk factor is oncological diseases in the genus. Especially if there were several such episodes, as well as types of cancer, a relative fell ill before the age of 50, there were tumors in each of the paired organs or in some specific ones (for example, the ovaries). Should You Get Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk? …
This is enough to do genetic testing for hereditary tumor syndrome.
What else can you do to find out your risk factors?
You can take online testing. The Cancer Prevention Foundation and the staff of the N. N. Petrov Oncology Research Institute have developed the SCREEN system of individual risk assessment. You will need to answer questions about your lifestyle and the health of your family members. You will not know if you will develop cancer, but you can evaluate the screening indications.
What if the screening results are bad?
If you still did an analysis for tumor markers and some of them turned out to be elevated, it is too early to panic. It is quite possible that some kind of inflammatory process is just going on in the body. To be sure, you can contact an oncologist. Most likely, he will allay your fears.
If genetic testing has shown a predisposition to hereditary tumor syndrome, go to a good oncologist and discuss the prospects with him. Prophylactic surgery may be required, but only a specialist can judge this after a thorough diagnosis.
But what if there are no risk factors, but I'm still afraid?
Obsessive thoughts about cancer in a healthy person can talk about carcinophobia. So, if fears haunt you and spoil your life, it is worth discussing this with a therapist. To understand that you yourself are not coping and it is time to ask for help, this article by Lifehacker will help.
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