Blood markers
CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen)
Also written as CEA, CEA level, Carcinoembryonic antigen
What it means
CEA is a substance that may be found in the blood of people who have colon cancer, other cancers or diseases, or who smoke tobacco. Levels may help keep track of how well cancer treatment is working or if cancer has come back.
Why it matters
CEA is a tumour marker. It is read with scans and other results, and your oncologist decides what it means.
Ask your oncologist
"Will we track my CEA during and after treatment?"
From NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: carcinoembryonic antigen. Not medical advice: your oncologist decides.