Cancer screening
CEA
Also known as: Carcinoembryonic Antigen
What it means
A tumour marker used mainly to monitor colon cancer treatment response. Slightly elevated in smokers and inflammatory bowel disease.
Typical normal range
Non-smokers: <2.5 ng/mL · Smokers: <5 ng/mL
Reference ranges vary by lab, age, sex, and pregnancy. Always check the range on your own report.
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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.
AFP
A protein used to screen for liver cancer, testicular cancer, and (in pregnancy) fetal neural tube defects.
This is a plain-language explanation for patients, not clinical advice. AI can be wrong. Always confirm with your doctor.