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    CA 15.3, Breast Cancer Marker2015135033% off
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    What is CA 15.3, Breast Cancer Marker Test?

    The Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) test is a blood test used to detect the level of CA 15-3. This glycoprotein is present in the blood and serves as a tumour marker for breast cancer. This test is mainly used to help assess the effectiveness of treatment in patients with breast cancer, monitor for recurrence, and occasionally for early detection, although it is not recommended for primary diagnosis due to its low sensitivity and specificity.

    The test is particularly helpful for individuals with advanced breast cancer, providing crucial information about disease progression. For those who need consistent monitoring, a CA 15-3 test can be easily arranged from the comfort of home.

    CA 15.3, Breast Cancer Marker Test Parameters

    The CA 15-3 (Breast Cancer Marker) test measures only one parameter: the concentration of CA 15-3, a protein present in the bloodstream that is typically produced by breast cancer cells. This protein is released into the blood and can be used as a tumour marker, helping doctors to monitor the progress of breast cancer and assess how well treatment is working.

    Elevated levels of CA 15-3 are commonly found in patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer. However, this marker can also rise in individuals with other types of cancer, such as ovarian, lung, or prostate cancer. Additionally, benign conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or certain benign breast or ovarian diseases can cause elevated CA 15-3 levels. Furthermore, non-cancerous conditions like pregnancy, lactation, liver disease, and pelvic inflammatory disease can also influence the results. The limitations of the CA 15-3 test are:

    Low Specificity

    Although CA 15-3 is often elevated in breast cancer, it lacks the high specificity necessary to rule out other cancers or non-cancerous conditions.

    Not Suitable for Screening

    This test is not recommended for routine breast cancer screening or initial diagnosis. It is mainly used to monitor patients with a known cancer diagnosis.

    Risk of False Negatives

    In some instances, CA 15-3 levels may appear normal even when cancer is present, especially in early or localised stages of the disease.

    CA 15.3, Breast Cancer Marker Test Preparation

    To prepare for your CA 15-3 (Breast Cancer Marker) test, follow the guidelines given below:

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

    • Best Time to Get Tested : The CA 15-3 (Breast Cancer Marker) test can be conducted at a time that is most convenient for you, with no specific time restrictions.

    • Who Should Get a CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker) Test : The test is typically recommended for individuals receiving treatment for advanced or metastatic breast cancer, as it helps monitor how well the treatment is working. It can also be used by those with a history of breast cancer to check for any recurrence.

    • Cautions Before Taking a CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker) Test : It is important to inform your doctor of any medications you are currently taking or any pre-existing conditions that could impact the accuracy of the test results. Additionally, keep in mind that certain non-cancerous conditions such as pregnancy, lactation, and benign breast diseases may result in elevated CA 15-3 levels.

    Why Take the CA 15.3, Breast Cancer Marker Test?

    The CA 15.3 test is very helpful in managing breast cancer, especially for patients dealing with more serious stages of the disease. Here are some important reasons to take this test:

    • Track the Effectiveness of Breast Cancer Treatment: Regular tests to check CA 15.3 levels during or after breast cancer treatment can help doctors understand if the treatment is working properly.

    • Identify Possible Recurrence of Cancer: If someone who has had breast cancer in the past has higher levels of CA 15.3, it might mean the cancer has come back. However, doctors would still need to confirm this with other tests, like an X-ray or biopsy.

    • About the Outlook for Treatment: Some research shows that higher CA 15.3 levels at the start of treatment or during the treatment process might suggest that the disease is more serious. But doctors need to be careful and consider other factors before making a conclusion.

    • Check the Progress of Metastatic Breast Cancer: For people with cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, doctors can use the CA 15.3 test to track how the cancer is growing. It can be used alongside other tests like hormone receptor tests or HER2 testing.

    • Help in Diagnosing Metastatic Disease: CA 15.3 levels can help doctors figure out if breast cancer has spread to other areas of the body. This can be done as part of an affordable and effective testing process when combined with other tests and imaging tools.

    • Guide Treatment Decisions: By showing how far the disease has progressed, the CA 15.3 test can help doctors adjust treatment plans so that patients get the most suitable care for their condition.

    FAQs on CA 15.3, Breast Cancer Marker Test in Mumbai

    The CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker) test in Mumbai costs ₹1350. This price includes prompt home sample collection within 60 minutes after booking and test results delivered within 32 hours of sample collection.

    Yes, you can avail home sample collection for the CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker) test in Mumbai. An eMedic will visit your location within 60 minutes of booking to collect the sample from your home.

    The CA 15.3 test is used primarily to track breast cancer progression, measure treatment effectiveness, and detect the recurrence of cancer, especially in metastatic cases. It is not intended for early detection or general breast cancer screening.

    Fasting is not required before the CA 15.3 test. You can schedule the test at a time that is convenient for you.

    Booking the CA 15.3 test with Orange Health Labs can be done easily by following these steps:

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

    Confirm Your Appointment: Enter your location and preferred time for sample collection.

    Sample Collection: A trained eMedic will come to your home for sample collection.

    Sample Testing: The collected sample will be analysed at our NABL-accredited, ICMR-approved laboratory.

    Get Results: You will receive your test results via email or WhatsApp within 32 hours

    Normal levels for the CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker) test are generally considered to be under 35 U/mL. Elevated values could be indicative of either the progression or recurrence of breast cancer.

    The results for the CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker) test are typically available within 32 hours of the sample collection.

    The frequency at which the CA 15.3 test is required depends on the recommendations of your physician. Typically, it is done periodically to monitor the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment.

    The CA 15.3 test measures a single parameter: the concentration of cancer antigen 15-3, which serves as a tumour marker for advanced breast cancer.

    Orange Health provides home sample collection for the CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker) test in various locations across Mumbai, including but not limited to, Colaba, Nariman Point, Marine Drive, Malabar Hill, Churchgate, Worli, Dadar, Parel, Byculla, Bandra, Andheri, Juhu, Ghatkopar, Powai, Chembur, Vashi, Belapur, Santacruz, Khar, Versova, Lokhandwala, Goregaon, Borivali, Kandivali, Mulund, Bhandup, Kurla.

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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.