. CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) is a protein primarily produced during fetal development and found at low levels in healthy adults.
. While CEA is not a standalone screening test for colorectal cancer, it can aid in identifying individuals at high risk or those with symptoms that might indicate colorectal or other cancers, when used alongside other tests and imaging e.g., ultrasound or CT scans. It may also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions such as smoking, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and infections, as well as in some other cancers like lung, breast, or pancreatic cancer.
. In cancers, this tumor marker is used as an aid in monitoring the recurrence/progression and in assessing the response to therapy.
Note: CEA levels can vary between different manufacturers due to differences in assay methods and reagent specificity. Results obtained from different manufacturers cannot be used interchangeably.