CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) Test

Is CEA used to diagnose cancer for the first time?

Not typically — it's not sensitive or specific enough to serve as a standalone diagnostic or screening test. Its main clinical value is monitoring known cancer, particularly colorectal cancer, over the course of treatment.

Can smoking affect my CEA result?

Yes, smokers tend to have somewhat higher baseline CEA levels than non-smokers, which is factored into how results are interpreted.

What does a rising CEA after cancer treatment mean?

A rising CEA level after previously successful treatment can be an early sign of cancer recurrence and typically prompts further imaging or investigation, even before symptoms appear.