CA 15-3

[Tam-56]

Does anyone have the blood test 15-3? My doc checks this every three months. Can you tell me why they request this and what would be considered high ranges or high it could go?

[Maludagui]

Hi. Happy day beautiful lady 🌺🎀 Carbohydrate 15-3 antigen (CA 15-3) is a protein that is synthesized normally by breast cells. In many people with cancerous breast tumors, there is an increase in the production of CA 15-3 and also another antigen, CA 27.29. CA 15-3 is not the cause of cancer, since it is a protein released by the tumor cells into the circulation, which can be used as a tumor marker to follow the evolution of the disease.

CA 15-3 is elevated in about 10% of women with localized breast cancer and / or in early stages but up to 80% of those with metastatic breast cancer (extension to other organs).

CA 15-3 may also be elevated in healthy individuals or those affected by other cancers (colon, lung, pancreas, ovarian or prostate cancer) as well as other disorders (cirrhosis, hepatitis and benign breast diseases) . My doctor here used CA 27-29. But in my first diagnostic breast cancer (in Venezuela ) the doctor used CA 15-3

[Tam-56 in reply to Maludagui]

Thank you for your response Maludagui. I didn’t know this was a protein. My doc isn’t too concerned about the CA 15-3 or the CEA (cares more about how I am feeling and weight fluctuation) but I always want to know because I feel that I have some baseline information that is measurable. Maybe it gives me a feeling of control as to what is going on too.

I hope you enjoy this beautiful we have been given!

[MyMiracle13]

Yes I have this test as well as the CEA. The CA15-3 is a tumor marker used by doctors to check if a prescribed medication is working. If the medication is working then the number goes down. If the numbers rise over 2 to 3 months then that means there may be progression and meds may need to be changed. Note that oncologists use this test as a guide only and do not rely solely on it. It is used in conjunction with scans. For some people, tumor markers don’t work but for some (like me), they really reflect what’s happening to me. Normal is less or equal to 30. Some people have counts in the hundreds or even thousands.

[Tam-56 in reply to MyMiracle13]

MyMiracle13

Thank you for the information... the internet doesn’t go into detailed description of CA 15-3

My CA 15-3 was 45.7 before I began Ibrance/Letrozole and is now 35.2 which is up 3 points from previous reading. It’s been fluctuating between 35 snd 32. I was thinking that 35 was representing 35,000 so I guess it’s not significantly high. I feel relieved! Thanks so much!