CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) Test at home in Bengaluru
CEA is a protein used as a tumour marker, most often to monitor people already diagnosed with certain cancers such as colorectal cancer, rather than to screen the general population.
- Price
- ₹549
- Fasting
- Not needed
- Category
- Tumor Marker
- Results
- During your visit
What the CEA Test measures
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is normally present at low levels in the blood. It can rise with some cancers, particularly of the colon and rectum, but also with non-cancerous conditions such as smoking, inflammation and liver disease, so it is not specific on its own.
Why it's done
- Monitoring treatment response or recurrence in people already diagnosed with certain cancers, on medical advice
- Providing additional context alongside imaging and other tests ordered by a specialist
How to prepare
No fasting is needed — eat and drink normally. Wear something with sleeves that roll up easily, and keep a list of any medicines you take handy for your phlebotomist.
Understanding your result
CEA is not a screening test for cancer in people without symptoms or a prior diagnosis, and a raised level does not by itself mean cancer is present — smoking and several benign conditions can also raise it. This test should be ordered and interpreted by your doctor, usually alongside your medical history and other results.
Frequently asked questions
Can CEA be used to screen for cancer?
No. CEA is not accurate or specific enough to screen people without symptoms. It is mainly used to monitor people already diagnosed with certain cancers, on a doctor's advice.
Does smoking affect CEA?
Yes, smoking can raise CEA even without any underlying cancer, which is one reason it needs to be interpreted carefully by a doctor.
Related tests
This page is general information, not medical advice, and a test result is not a diagnosis. Always discuss your results with a qualified doctor. All tests