CEA
What this test measures
CEA, carcinoembryonic antigen, is a protein made in the fetal gut and present at low levels in adults. Tumour markers are proteins that can rise for many reasons, most of them not cancer. Specialists mainly use them to follow a condition that has already been identified, and a single value cannot answer a screening question on its own.
Why doctors request it
Specialists use it mainly to follow bowel cancer after treatment. It is sometimes on private panels, where a raised value more often reflects smoking or a benign condition.
What commonly pushes it up
- Smoking, which roughly doubles the typical upper limit
- Inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, liver disease and lung conditions
- Being a heavy drinker
- Some cancers, mainly of the bowel
What commonly pushes it down
- Successful treatment of a condition that raised it
Everyday reasons for a value outside the range
- Smokers have a higher typical range
- Many benign conditions raise it
- A slightly raised value on a wellness panel is usually not from cancer
About the sample
No fasting needed. The trend matters more than a single value.
Upload a photo or PDF and see every line against the range your lab printed, explained in plain English. First report free.
Read my report freeThis is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.