What is the Colon Cancer Tumour Marker CEA Test?
CEA is a useful marker in the monitoring of colorectal cancer therapy. Colorectal cancer is the second most common malignant disease in the whole world. CEA monitoring must start before treatment to establish the post-therapeutic decrease and the level for evaluating possible recurrences.
Why get one?
A high level of a specific tumour marker can indicate a particular type of cancer. It helps the oncologist decide what treatment or combination will work best for a certain type of cancer and evaluate how well the treatment worked. Sometimes, tumour markers are used for screening to help detect a certain type of cancer in people at high risk before they have signs or symptoms.
1 Biomarker:
- CEA: Measures the CEA in your blood.
What are the Instructions for use?
Please take your CEA sample in the morning. Take it at least one hour before any medication.
When you collect your sample, try the following tips:
- Drink plenty of water. Being well-hydrated will make it easier to collect your sample.
- Shower before you take your test or run your hands under warm water for a few minutes, as heat improves blood flow.
- Do light exercise (move around, walk, etc.) to get the blood flowing.
- Ensure your arm is below your heart level – let gravity do some of the work.
- Nails that are too long can make it difficult to collect a sample.
- Do not shake the sample vigorously, but gently invert the tube 10 times. (Gently swirl the tube after each drop of blood.)
- Do not squeeze the finger (milk).
- Re-warm your hands during collection where needed.
How does it Work?
Order your kit online and once it arrive collect your sample at home.
Then, drop off the CEA Kit in the morning to the Royal Mail Red Street Box. Use the Track24/48 Return Label to the Lab.
Lastly, once your results are ready, we will send you an email with your Result. Also you can view the report in your Dashboard.
How long do the results take?
The target turnaround time for the Colon Cancer Tumour marker Blood test is 1-3 working days. The turnaround time is a guide only and sometimes depends on assay run schedules.
Please take your sample tests on a Monday to Thursday to avoid weekend delays by Royal Mail.
*The test is sold as part of the MOL research program. And the purchaser agrees to provide feedback data to MOL. This data is pre-authorised to be used anonymously in this research data program.
* If your results are positive, please visit your health provider for more tests and treatment *
Medicines Online recommends the sample management protocol.
Sample Management starts when you prick your finger or make your swab or urine, using your chosen type for men’s and women’s home kits. Therefore, please do not leave your sample around the Home for 1-2 days. Because it will arrive at the Laboratory already clotted or spoiled, and it can’t be processed. So, please take your sample to the drop box or post office as close to the collection time as possible. Ensure that any CEA samples are collected properly and not sitting overnight in the drop box, waiting for collection the next day or several days later.
Therefore, any waiting time is bad for your CEA blood test sample. Importantly, your sample must arrive at the Laboratory in good condition. If not, it needs to be disposed of.
What is the Scientific Data from Instrument and Reagent Supplier?
Technology Method:
Fluorescence quantitative immunoassay
Limit of Detection:
Less than or equal to 2.0 ng/mL.
Precision:
The within assay CV is ≤ 10%. The between assay CV is ≤ 15%.
Measuring Range:
2.0~500.0 ng/mL
Validation-Active Information:
- EQA: Yes
- Inter-laboratory validations
- Periodic according to the validation schedule
- Event-triggered- Qc/Calibration/New materials/Batch
Precision:
The precision relies on the within-assay coefficient of variations and the between-assay coefficient. The within-assay coefficient of variations would be the variance of the result value if the same test were analysed again. The between-assay coefficient is the variance of the result value if the same sample was reprocessed from the beginning again.
In range results:
CEA levels less than or equal to 4.7 ng/mL are considered in the normal range.
Out-of-range results:
Any result above the 4.7 ng/mL range would be considered abnormal. Those with slight to moderate CEA may be at risk for non-malignant disease of the intestine, pancreas, liver, and lungs. However, this test alone cannot be used to diagnose cancer. It is also important to note that smoking can lead to elevated levels of CEA.
Page Quality Review:
Review Date : 19/01/2024
Reviewed By :
Colon Cancer Shared Story
“I was shocked! My first thought was, why me?”
A couple of years ago, Desmond James was living a challenging but encouraging life as both a Janitor at an elementary school and caregiver to his grandmother and father (Desmond’s grandmother had been diagnosed with dementia while his father had survived a stroke). Desmond went to countless doctor appointments and always loved coming home from them to cook for his family. Desmond enjoyed hanging out with his dad and walking with his grandmother in his free time.
This was until Desmond started experiencing abdominal pains for a few months before going to the doctor for a routine check-up. After describing his symptoms of abdominal pains, recent constipation and feeling tired to his doctor, a colonoscopy was ordered. At his next doctor visit, in October of 2021, Desmond received his diagnosis of stage III colon cancer at the age of 39,
“I was shocked! My first thought was, why me? I am an avid walker and gym goer, and ride my bike”. Desmond immediately started treatment: five rounds of radiation and seven cycles of chemotherapy. This transition from caregiver to patient was a learning experience for Desmond. During this time, Desmond managed to take care of both his grandmother and father while also battling cancer himself.
Getting through treatment was tough for Desmond, but he got through it by focusing on his family, his healing and his religion, “I had so much support from my dad, my brothers, friends, cousins, uncles, and my aunts. One aunt in particular, she always had encouraging words and made it to all my treatments, all except one”. On top of the love and support Desmond was so thankful to have, he turned to song to get through his tough times. In particular, whether it was a day of treatment or rest, Desmond would be found singing “I am Healed“ by Donald Lawerence.
In March of 2022, he received news from his doctor that his tumour was no longer there. Today, he celebrates over a year of being cancer-free. Desmond is sharing his story with us today to help bring more colon cancer awareness and hopefully motivate those who are on the fence about visiting the doctor to do so, “My advice to others is to not wait on going to the doctor to get a check-up. The longer you wait, the more fear can affect your health. Once fear sits in, you begin worrying, bringing stress and other ailments. Go get a screen before it’s too late“.
Since being cancer-free, Desmond has been enjoying life in his hometown of Reserve, where he is a baker and is also in school to become a nutritionist. Desmond exercises daily, goes to the gym, and takes long walks. One part about Desmond that will never change, whether he is facing his hardships or not, is his devotion to taking care of his loved ones, “There is a saying ‘Give people their flowers while they can smell them‘. I did exactly that with my late grandmother, Ida M. Stanton, who recently passed away in April 2023″.
Desmond continues to care for his father while living his life with peace and working on becoming an advocate for colon cancer. Laurie Kosher’s cancer diagnosis was a total shock. At 44, she was the picture of health, a lifelong vegetarian who often went for multi-mile runs. She never called in sick to work unless one of her three kids was sick. She figured that her occasional bloating, weight loss, and irregular bowel movements were just part of the regular ageing process or gluten sensitivity. Laurie’s doctors did not catch on that these symptoms were early warning signs of a serious problem.
Laurie was experiencing severe abdominal pain that was diagnosed as IBS. Laurie tried to manage her stress and started taking laxatives. A few weeks later, a primary care doctor prescribed her antibiotics, thinking that the symptoms may have been coming from a stomach bug. Over the next few months, the pain and GI problems worsened. Six months after Laurie finished a three-month round of chemo, doctors found masses in her pelvis and lungs. Laurie’s cancer had turned aggressive, and she was soon diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. Laurie’s ovaries and fallopian tubes were removed.
She underwent six more months of chemo and radiation on her lungs. One doctor said that it looked like someone took a salt shaker and sprinkled cancer all through her abdominal cavity. Once her diagnosis progressed to stage IV, it became clear that Laurie was never going to be rid of her cancer. Laurie used to work as a physical therapy assistant, but now “cancer is a full-time job.” Laurie has three kids, the eldest of whom is about to be 23.
Laurie is grateful to have seen him graduate college and get his first real job. She worries that he feels pressure to keep it all together for his sisters. Her two daughters live in Asheville with Laurie and her husband, Glen. It’s been important to both of them to be very honest with the kids about Laurie’s health. After Laurie left her job, the whole family took a summer vacation to Alaska. Laurie and Glen could also take a honeymoon vacation that they never had after they got married. Glen’s employer has been flexible and supportive, which has allowed him to be present with Laurie through it all.
Glen lost his mother to lung cancer just ten months before Laurie was diagnosed. Laurie is now part of a two-drug clinical trial at Duke University. Laurie said that while the drugs are not expected to eradicate her cancer, they’re doing their job of “keeping the beast at bay.” Laurie’s extended family participates in the annual Get Your Rear in Gear – Asheville fundraiser.
As Laurie and I spoke on the phone for this story, her cell service was cutting in and out. She was calling from her hotel near Duke, where she travels every other week for treatment. Towards the end of our conversation, she paused through sniffles. She laughed: “My mom is sitting beside me, passing me tissues while we talk.” Laurie advises others dealing with cancer not to feel pressure and always to display positivity. “It’s okay to be wherever you are.” Sometimes, you need someone to sit next to you and pass tissues while you cry, and that’s enough.
Shipping and Return Policies
Appointment:
Missed appointments or cancellations less than 24 hours prior are not entitled to refunds. Rescheduling is possible but not guaranteed. Please contact the customer service prior to the appointment time to discuss cost and availability options.
Shipping & Return:
We have a 14-day return policy, which means you have 14 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To Qualify for any return, the product must be in the same condition as when you received it. Not used, not opened, unworn, in its original packaging. You will also need to send it to us with the receipt or proof of purchase.
Please return to: Medicines Online, 89 Falcon Rd, London. SW11 2PF
You can read our full return policy here:
https://medicinesonline.org.uk/return-policy/
We offer next day delivery; however courier delivery times are out of our control. We are unable to offer refunds for any late deliveries. But you will receive courier tracking information once your order has been dispatched. And orders placed by 1pm are dispatched on the same day.
What is the shipping and return policy?
Appointment:
Missed appointments or cancellations less than 24 hours prior are not entitled to refunds. Rescheduling is possible but not guaranteed. Please get in touch with customer service before the appointment time to discuss cost and availability options.
Shipping & Return:
We have a 14-day return policy, which means you have 14 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To Qualify for any return, the CEA Colon Cancer test Kit product must be in the same condition as when you received it. It is not used, not opened, unworn, and in its original packaging. You will also need to send it to us with the receipt or proof of purchase.
Please return to Medicines Online, 89 Falcon Rd, London. SW11 2PF
You can read our full return policy here:
https://33.medicinesonline.org.uk/return-policy/
We offer next-day delivery; however, courier delivery times are out of our control. We are unable to offer refunds for any late deliveries. But you will receive courier tracking information once your order has been dispatched. Orders placed by 1 pm are dispatched on the same day.
CEA (Colon cancer)
Hector D. –
I was impressed with the quick results, but I experienced a minor issue with tracking my shipment.
Jonathan F. –
The test is easy to do
Milton –
Medicine online was very helpful. Really appreciate it
Bob –
It was all fast and with fabulous customer support!