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    What is CA 15.3, Breast Cancer Marker Test?

    The CA 15-3 test is a blood test that measures the level of the cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), a glycoprotein often used as a tumour marker in the management of breast cancer. This test helps to monitor the progress of breast cancer patients, evaluate how well they are responding to treatment, and detect any recurrence of the disease. It is important to note, however, that this test is not recommended for initial breast cancer diagnosis because it lacks sufficient sensitivity and specificity.

    The CA 15-3 test is more commonly used for patients with advanced breast cancer to track the progression of the disease. If you're in need of such monitoring, you can conveniently arrange for a CA 15-3 test from the comfort of your home.

    CA 15.3, Breast Cancer Marker Test Parameters

    The CA 15-3 test assesses one parameter: the concentration of CA 15-3 in the blood, which is a glycoprotein produced predominantly by breast cancer cells. This protein is released into the bloodstream and acts as a marker for breast cancer, helping doctors to track disease progression and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

    Elevated CA 15-3 levels are typically found in individuals with advanced or metastatic breast cancer. However, it can also be seen in other malignancies such as ovarian, lung, or prostate cancer. Furthermore, benign health issues like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or non-cancerous ovarian and breast conditions may also result in increased levels of CA 15-3. Other factors such as pregnancy, lactation, liver disease, and pelvic inflammatory disease may also cause false elevations in CA 15-3.

    Limitations of the CA 15-3 Test:

    Not Highly Specific

    While this test is commonly linked to breast cancer, it lacks the specificity required to distinguish it from other cancers or non-cancerous conditions that could raise CA 15-3 levels.

    Not Intended for Screening

    The CA 15-3 test is not recommended for use in routine breast cancer screenings or as a diagnostic tool. It is primarily used for monitoring known cases of breast cancer.

    False Negative Results Possible

    In some cases, CA 15-3 levels may remain within the normal range, even when cancer is present, particularly in the early stages of the disease or in localized cancer.

    CA 15.3, Breast Cancer Marker Test Preparation

    To properly prepare for your CA 15-3 (Breast Cancer Marker) test, please follow these recommendations:

    • Prerequisites : There is no need to fast before taking the CA 15-3 (Breast Cancer Marker) test.

    • Best Time to Get Tested : You may take the CA 15-3 (Breast Cancer Marker) test at a time that is most convenient for your schedule.

    • Who Should Get a CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker) Test : The test is primarily recommended for patients who are receiving treatment for advanced or metastatic breast cancer, to help monitor how the treatment is progressing. It is also useful for individuals with a previous diagnosis of breast cancer to check for any recurrence.

    • Cautions Before Taking a CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker) Test : Make sure to inform your doctor about any ongoing treatments or existing health conditions that could potentially alter the test results. Additionally, be aware that non-cancerous conditions like pregnancy, lactation, and benign breast diseases may cause elevated CA 15-3 levels.

    Why Take the CA 15.3, Breast Cancer Marker Test?

    The CA 15.3 test is a helpful tool for managing breast cancer, especially for people with advanced or metastatic (spread) cancer. Here are several good reasons why you should consider taking the test:

    • Evaluate the Effectiveness of Breast Cancer Treatment: Regular testing for CA 15.3 during or after treatment allows doctors to see how well the treatment is working. It helps decide if the treatment needs to be changed to help the patient better.

    • Detect Cancer Recurrence: For someone who has had breast cancer before, higher CA 15.3 levels could indicate that the cancer has returned. However, doctors will need to confirm this with other tests, like scans or a biopsy.

    • Provide Insight into the Outlook for the Disease: Some research suggests that higher CA 15.3 levels when a patient starts treatment or during treatment may suggest that the cancer is more advanced or harder to treat. However, doctors should always interpret this in the context of the patient's overall health and other factors.

    • Track the Progress of Metastatic Breast Cancer: For patients whose breast cancer has spread, CA 15.3 testing can help doctors monitor how the disease is changing. It is often used with other tests such as hormone receptor status or HER2 testing to get a full picture.

    • Assist in Diagnosing Metastatic Disease: The CA 15.3 test can help identify if breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This test is often used as part of a more comprehensive, cost-effective approach when combined with other diagnostic tests and imaging methods.

    • Guide Ongoing Treatment Decisions: With the information from the CA 15.3 test, doctors can understand more about how the disease is progressing and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. This helps to ensure the patient is getting the best care possible at every stage of the disease.

    FAQs on CA 15.3, Breast Cancer Marker Test in Hyderabad

    The price for the CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker) test in Hyderabad is ₹1350. This cost includes swift home sample collection within 60 minutes from booking, and the test results will be delivered to you within 32 hours of sample collection.

    Yes, home sample collection is available for the CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker) test in Hyderabad. After booking, an experienced eMedic will visit your location within 60 minutes to collect your sample.

    The CA 15.3 test is primarily used to monitor the progression of breast cancer, evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing treatments, and detect any recurrence of the disease, particularly in metastatic cases. This test is not suitable for early detection or routine screening.

    No, fasting is not required before taking the CA 15.3 test. You can schedule the test whenever it is most convenient for you.

    Booking a CA 15.3 test with Orange Health Labs is simple:

    Search for the Test: Find the "CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker) Test" and select the Orange Health Labs listing.

    Confirm Your Appointment: Enter your details, including location and preferred sample collection time.

    Sample Collection: A qualified eMedic from Orange Health Labs will visit your home to collect the sample.

    Sample Analysis: The sample will be analysed at our NABL-accredited and ICMR-approved laboratory.

    Receive Your Results: Your test results will be sent to you via email or WhatsApp within 32 hours after collecting the sample.

    Normal values for the CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker) test typically fall below 35 U/mL. An increase in these values may indicate the progression or recurrence of breast cancer. For accurate interpretation of your results, it is recommended to consult with your doctor.

    The reports for the CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker) test are usually available within 32 hours after sample collection.

    The frequency of the CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker) test is determined by your doctor’s advice. Generally, it is done periodically to assess the effectiveness of ongoing treatments.

    The CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker) test measures only one parameter: the level of cancer antigen 15-3, which is a tumour marker linked with advanced stages of breast cancer.

    Orange Health offers home sample collection for the CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker) test across various localities in Hyderabad, including, but not limited to, Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Gachibowli, Madhapur, Hitech City, Kondapur, Begumpet, Somajiguda, Ameerpet, Panjagutta, Kukatpally, Miyapur, Manikonda, Secunderabad, Tarnaka, Abids, Koti, Mehdipatnam, Dilsukhnagar, Uppal, LB Nagar, Nallagandla, Nizampet, Attapur, Malkajgiri.

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    References

    1. CA 15-3. 2024  Available from:  https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?contenttypeid=167&contentid=ca_15_3
    2. Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) test [Internet]. Canadian Cancer Society.  Available from:  https://cancer.ca/en/treatments/tests-and-procedures/cancer-antigen-15-3-ca-15-3
    3. Prognostic Impact of Elevation of Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) in Patients With Early Breast Cancer With Normal Serum CA15-3 Level.  Available from:  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10139845/
    4. CA 15-3. Stanford Healthcare.  Available from:  https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-tests/t/tumor-markers/types/ca-15-3.html
    5. Qing H. Meng. Chapter 5 - Tumor markers. Self-Assessment Q&A in Clinical Laboratory Science.  Available from:  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128220931000053.