Full Name

Cancer Antigen 15-3

Sample Type

Blood (serum)

Fasting Required

❌ Not required

Test Category

Tumor marker

Primary Organs

Breast tissue

Main Use

Monitoring breast cancer, especially metastatic or recurrent cases

<30 U/mL

✅ Normal

30–100 U/mL

Possible benign or early malignancy

>100 U/mL

Suggestive of advanced or metastatic breast cancer

>300 U/mL

Often seen in widespread metastases

🧬 Monitor breast cancer

Track treatment effectiveness or recurrence

📈 Assess metastatic progression

Rising values may indicate spread to liver, lungs, bones

🩻 Aid in staging and follow-up

Especially in late-stage or recurrent disease

🧪 Not for screening

Limited utility in early detection or general population

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)

Broader cancer marker to increase diagnostic accuracy

CA 27.29

Similar marker, often interchangeable with CA 15-3

CA 125

If ovarian or mixed cancer origin is suspected

Imaging (PET, CT, Bone Scan)

To detect metastasis if CA 15-3 is elevated

Hormone Receptor Tests (ER, PR, HER2)

Guide treatment decisions

Benign breast disease

Fibroadenomas, cysts

Hepatitis or liver cirrhosis

Due to delayed antigen clearance

Tuberculosis or sarcoidosis

Inflammatory disorders can lead to mild elevation

Pregnancy and lactation

Mild physiological increases possible

Sample

Blood (serum)

Fasting Required

No

Normal Range

0–30 U/mL

High Levels Indicate

Advanced breast cancer or metastasis (lungs, liver, bones)

Best Use

Monitoring disease progression and therapy response

Not Ideal For

Screening or early diagnosis