What are tumor markers and is it true that they help to detect cancer
Educational Program Health / / December 19, 2019
Tumor markers? What it is?
Tumor markers - a special case of a biomarker. Biomarker called a sign that points to the events occurring in a biological system. For example, in the human body. To isolate this characteristic, doctors analyze human tissue and fluid (it can be blood, serum, adipose tissue) and is looking content does not exceed the maximum allowable certain substances indicators.
Accordingly, oncomarkers be considered substances which the body generates in response to the neoplastic process. As a rule, are proteins and protein complexes with carbohydrates.
In practice, the test for tumor markers - a routine blood test, urine, saliva or other bodily fluid or tissue.
Where do these analyzes? How much does it cost?
The test for tumor markers do many commercial laboratories and diagnostic centers. Analysis of one tumor marker in average costs about 1000 rubles.
The clinics can do tests for several types of antigens for the detection of various cancers - sometimes up to 20 pieces.
Sounds easy! So, all is recommended to do this test?
Not. Experts used the tumor markers to confirm the diagnosis is already monitoring existing disease, adjustment appointments, and moreThe publication of a major oncology journal European Journal of Cancer. However, it is rather an aid which is used by a specialist, not a way to clarify your status, if necessary.
Oncologists do not recommend Patient Guide to Tumor Markers take the test for tumor markers relative to healthy people, ie those who simply asks: "And there you have cancer for me?" - and wants to be safe. And all because that such tests do not guarantee accurate results and do not give a complete picture.
And why tumor markers can not accurately show if I have cancer?
Tumors can be different typesAnd some of the tumor markers can point to one type, and some - a few. In this case, there are no markers, which would define all types of cancer in its early stages and has not responded to other stimuliNational Cancer Institute: What are tumor markers?.
That is, no one can guarantee that the appearance of tumor marker is associated with cancer. Non-tumor disease, e.g. inflammation, may lead to the same result. In addition, not all people with a certain type of cancer tumor markers there are appropriate.
Although tumor markers help to understand whether the tumor responds to treatment, their sensitivity and specificity is insufficient to diagnoseCancer Institute: Can tumor markers be used in cancer screening?. To make the diagnosis "cancer", and other tests are required. For example, a biopsy.
What analysis can be done instead of a test for tumor markers?
The probability of developing cancer shows genetic testing for hereditary tumor syndrome. It is this research helped Angelina Jolie, three close relatives that have died from breast cancer and ovaries, to decide on preventive operations.
The most common types of cancer in women - is breast cancer and ovarian cancer, which reveal tests for mutations in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2BRCA1 and BRCA2 Cancer Risks. In men, it is the analysis on PSA (total prostate specific antigen) indicating prostate cancerScreening for Prostate Cancer With Prostate-Specific Antigen Testing: American Society of Clinical Oncology Provisional Clinical Opinion.
In the summer and autumn of 2018 the Moscow Health Department held a free screening of the programLarge-scale program for the early detection of cancer for early detection of cancer. To pass the tests free in your town, follow the news of the local Ministry of Health.
In addition, genetic testing can be done in private clinics. On average, it costs 3-4 thousand rubles for women and up to 1 thousand rubles for men.
Also laboratories offer to do genetic tests for mutations in the genes that cause colorectal cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, and to evaluate the various risk factors in terms of genetic predisposition. For example, the risk of developing cancer by smoking or the use of smoked and fried foods.
such studies are very different prices in different clinics and range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands, depending on how wide panel of possible mutations will covered.
In some cases, you have to do a genetic test?
Usually cancers occur in people under the influence carcinogens. However, many cases of cancer - is the result of genetic mutations that are inherited.
Therefore, the risk factor is cancer in the family. Especially if such episodes, as well as several types of cancer has been, relative contracted to 50 years, there were tumors in each of paired organs, or in some specific (e.g., ovary)Should You Get Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk?.
That's enough to make genetic testing for hereditary tumor syndrome.
What else can be done to find out your risk factors?
You can go on-line testing. Cancer Prevention Foundation and the Research Institute of Oncology named after N. N. Petrov developed a system of individual risk assessment SCREEN. You will need to answer questions about their lifestyle and health of family members. You will not know whether you will develop cancer, however, be able to assess the indications for screening.
What if the screening results are bad?
If you still have made the analysis for tumor markers, and some of them turned out to be higher, panic early. It is possible that the body goes just some inflammation. To be sure, you can refer to an oncologist. Most likely, he will dispel your fears.
If genetic testing shows a predisposition to hereditary tumor syndrome, go to a good oncologist and discuss with him the prospects. You may need preventive operation, but judge this can only be a specialist after a careful diagnosis.
And what if there is no risk, but I'm still afraid?
Obsessive thoughts about cancer in a healthy person can talk about cancerophobia. So if fears haunt and spoil a life, it is worth to discuss it with the therapist. Understand that you do not manage themselves, and it is time to ask for help, help this article Layfhakera.