As we all know early detection of cancer is a priority for all as it offers the best chance for cure. The aim to diagnose cancer when the tumour is small enough to be removed surgically. A tumour marker is a specific substance present in the blood of a patient having the tumour. These tumour markers are quite sensitive to the type of the cancer. The ease of collecting the sample and being non-invasive makes tumour markers superior to other examinations based on physical methods.

TUMOUR MARKERS ARE GENERALLY USED IN

1. Screening the high risk population
2. Clinical staging of cancer
3. Indicator for disease progression
4. To evaluate the success of treatment
5. To detect the recurrence
6. Monitoring response to therapy

COMMONLY USED TUMOUR MARKERS IN WOMEN

1. CA – 125: It is a marker for ovarian and endometrial cancer
2. CA 15-3: Useful in staging Breast cancer. Also in cancer of pancreas, ovary and lung.
3. CEA: Primarily indicated for Cancer of the colon (large intestine)