Cancer screening
AFP
Also known as: Alpha Fetoprotein
What it means
A protein used to screen for liver cancer, testicular cancer, and (in pregnancy) fetal neural tube defects.
Typical normal range
Adults: <10 ng/mL
Reference ranges vary by lab, age, sex, and pregnancy. Always check the range on your own report.
Have AFP on your report?
Upload the full report and MedFast.AI will explain every value — in your language — and give you the right questions to ask your doctor.
Related terms in Cancer screening
PSA
A protein from the prostate. Elevated levels in men can mean an enlarged prostate, infection, or sometimes prostate cancer — needs context.
CA-125
A protein sometimes elevated in ovarian cancer, but also in endometriosis, fibroids, and pregnancy. Never diagnostic alone.
CEA
A tumour marker used mainly to monitor colon cancer treatment response. Slightly elevated in smokers and inflammatory bowel disease.
Sources & Standards
The plain-language explanations above draw on published standards from the following bodies. Reference ranges and thresholds vary slightly by lab and demographic — always check the range on your own report and follow your doctor's interpretation.
- World Health Organization (WHO)
Global public-health authority
Global reference ranges and disease classifications.
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
India's apex biomedical research body
India-specific clinical guidelines and reference values.
- National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)
India's lab-accreditation authority
Reference-range framework used by accredited Indian labs.
- NIH / MedlinePlus
US National Institutes of Health patient-education arm
Plain-language descriptions of tests, conditions, and medicines.
AI can be wrong. Explanations here are for comprehension only — confirm every decision with your doctor.
This is a plain-language explanation for patients, not clinical advice. AI can be wrong. Always confirm with your doctor.