Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test

A carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test is used to check how well treatment is working in certain types of cancer, particularly bowel cancer .

Carcinoembryonic antigens are proteins produced by some types of cancer .

In response to the antigens, the body produces antibodies to help fight them.

A CEA test is often carried out after surgery to check carcinoembryonic antigen levels.

As well as being a useful marker for bowel cancer, CEA tests can be used to assess other types of cancer, including:

• lung cancer
• breast cancer
• liver cancer
• pancreatic cancer
• stomach cancer
• ovarian cancer

CEA levels may also be raised in non-cancerous conditions, such as liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease ( Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis ).

Find out more about a CEA test on Lab Tests Online-UK .