i m 25m. last October i have ca15.3 41 IU/L. I have done a random sampling. Blood test is important for breast cancer.

[manhas]

i am 25 yr male. i a laboratory technician. so we usual examine our blood sample semi annually.in last october my ca-15.3 is increased. i am surprised. the test is important for breast cancer screening. plz give me guidence. what i can do.

[sumeet_shah Administrator]

Ca 15.3 has no role in screening or detection of breast cancer.

And for that matter, except PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen), NO other tumour marker is meant to be used in screening of any cancer. Even for PSA, there are some conditions.

Ca 15.3, CA 125, CEA, AFP, LDH, HCG, CA 19.9 - None of these must be used to screen cancers.

The role of tumour markers is in follow up of a cancer patient. In case of CA 15.3, we use it occasionally in metastatic breast caner patients, to assess disease burden and to have some idea whether chemo is working or not. We do not use it to detect breast cancer.

So, do not worry at all and don't do these tests again.

[manhas in reply to sumeet_shah]

thanks for your valuable comments. but why the ca-15.3 is increased. i have to know about this. ultrasound or any other examination to clear my doubt.

[sumeet_shah Administrator in reply to manhas]

CA 15.3 will be raised in many other non specific conditions. Read this:

asco.org/sites/www.asco.org...

In the above pdf file, keep scrolling down till you see a fully blue table titled "Summary: Tumor Markers Reviewed in 2007 Breast Cancer Tumor Markers Update"

You will see that "CA 15.3 is Not recommended for Screening, diagnosis, staging, prognosis, or surveillance or Using alone for monitoring"

If you are still bothered, I would advise you to see any surgeon and take medical guidance. I can understand your concern, but please do not do any further investigations on your own.

[manhas in reply to sumeet_shah]

At the time of octubar my TLC count is 14000. the dlc is normal...

[manish_vkg TeamBCI]

Hi manhas, nothing wrong in testing calcium and other blood test...but I dont understand why u thinking about breast cancer....calcium is not realted to breast cancer. ..do have any problem?

[manhas in reply to manish_vkg]

CA stand for cancer antigen......

[kontak TeamBCI]

Hi manhas - as informed do not take the decision on your own for any tests - it will be waste of money and you will receive nothing but a lot of tensions. Instead you share what you are facing - are you tensed for breast cancer. Or have you undergone any other tests.

Do share in details with open mind - you will receive a lot of support - both morally and technically.

[manhas in reply to kontak]

Thanks kontak. i have done only ca-15.3 and tlc count. Tlc is 14000. and ca-15.3-41IU/L.

[MsLockYourPosts TeamBCI]

I recently had a CA 125 (I am female) that came out a little high. Of course, my reaction on seeing that, as I have dealt with breast cancer, was to be concerned. My doctor was not, and she is a fabulous doctor. Her reaction was to consider redoing the test in 4 months. I did a lot of reading and discovered what others have said here. The test is usually used to follow the effects of treatment.on't know the test you mentioned, but would imagine that a good doctor would give you a similar answer. Your results, and mine, probably mean nothing, but redoing the test down the road, if it gives us peace of mind, is worth a lot. I hope we both come up with very boring results! Boring is my favorite word in medicine!