Cancer Markers (Female)

Comprehensive Women's Cancer Screening

Vesta Care's Cancer Markers Female package delivers targeted screening for the most prevalent cancers affecting women, measuring seven specialized tumor markers alongside complete blood analysis. This comprehensive 28-biomarker assessment detects early warning signs of breast, ovarian, colorectal, pancreatic, and gestational cancers—providing essential surveillance for women's most concerning malignancies.

At AED 529, this screening provides crucial cancer monitoring through blood and stool testing performed conveniently at your Dubai home. Our DHA-licensed phlebotomists collect samples throughout Dubai—from Downtown to Arabian Ranches, Marina to Silicon Oasis—with results delivered in 48 hours. No fasting required, making scheduling simple around your routine.

Understanding Women's Cancer Markers

Cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) is the only tumor marker recommended for clinical use in diagnosis and management of ovarian cancer, used in screening and monitoring disease progression and response to therapy. Combined with other markers, this panel provides comprehensive surveillance for multiple cancer types simultaneously—essential since symptoms often appear only after cancers advance.

This isn't general population screening—it's targeted assessment for women with risk factors: family cancer history, BRCA mutations, age over 40, unexplained symptoms, previous abnormal imaging, or those seeking proactive health monitoring. Early marker detection enables intervention when treatment outcomes are most favorable.

The 7 Specialized Women's Cancer Markers

CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3) – The primary breast cancer monitoring marker, most useful in evaluating treatment effect for women with advanced breast cancer. While not recommended for initial diagnosis, CA 15-3 elevations indicate increased breast cancer risk requiring imaging follow-up. Also elevated in ovarian and lung cancers.

CA 125 (Cancer Antigen 125) – Elevated in 85-90% of ovarian cancers but also present in benign conditions like endometriosis and fibroids. Despite sensitivity limitations in early disease, CA 125 remains essential for ovarian cancer surveillance, particularly in high-risk women with BRCA mutations or family history requiring serial monitoring.

CA 19-9 (Cancer Antigen 19-9) – Elevated in digestive tract cancers, particularly pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer's typically late diagnosis makes marker screening valuable for women with risk factors including chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, smoking history, or family pancreatic cancer history.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) – Elevated in colorectal cancer as well as non-cancerous conditions like chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. CEA screening identifies women requiring colonoscopy evaluation for occult colorectal cancer, particularly those with family history or unexplained symptoms.

AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein) – AFP plays crucial roles in managing patients with nonseminomatous germ cell tumors, being expressed by ovarian endodermal sinus tumors, embryonal cell carcinoma, immature teratomas, and polyembryomas. Also elevated in liver cancer.

Beta-HCG (Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) – Normally produced by the placenta, beta-HCG elevation occurs in gestational trophoblastic disease, ovarian germ cell tumors, and serves as an ideal marker for monitoring gestational trophoblastic conditions. Essential for distinguishing pregnancy from trophoblastic malignancies.

Stool Occult Blood – Detects microscopic blood in stool invisible to the naked eye. Positive results indicate gastrointestinal bleeding potentially caused by colorectal cancer, polyps, or inflammatory conditions requiring colonoscopy investigation—particularly important since colorectal cancer affects women significantly.

Complete Blood Count (21 parameters) – Comprehensive blood cell analysis detecting abnormalities potentially indicating blood cancers, anemia from occult bleeding, or cancer-related bone marrow suppression. Changes in blood cell populations can signal underlying malignancy.

Check also: Hormones Profile Female

Why Multiple Marker Testing Matters

Individual markers have limitations—cancers don't always elevate their "typical" marker, and benign gynecological conditions frequently cause elevations, especially premenopausal. Research demonstrates combined marker panels substantially improve cancer detection sensitivity over single markers.

In metastatic breast cancer patients, CA15.3 was elevated in 63.2%, CEA in 37.3%, CA-125 in 45.0%, and CA 19.9 in 17.3% at diagnosis—demonstrating that multiple markers detect cases single markers miss. Combined testing maximizes detection probability while providing information about multiple cancer types simultaneously.

Understanding Test Limitations

Cancer markers are screening tools, not diagnostic tests. Critical facts:

• Elevated markers don't confirm cancer – Benign gynecological conditions commonly cause elevations
• Normal markers don't exclude cancer – Early cancers may not elevate markers initially
• Additional testing required – Abnormal results demand imaging, biopsies, or specialist evaluation
• Benign causes common – Menstruation, endometriosis, fibroids, and pregnancy affect markers
• Medical interpretation essential – Results require physician evaluation considering clinical context

This screening identifies women requiring additional investigation—it doesn't diagnose cancer. However, early marker detection enables timely intervention when treatment offers best outcomes.

Who Should Get Cancer Marker Screening?

This assessment particularly benefits women with:

• Age over 40 when cancer incidence increases substantially
• Family cancer history (breast, ovarian, colorectal) multiplying personal risk
• BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations dramatically increasing breast and ovarian cancer risk
• Personal cancer history requiring surveillance for recurrence
• Unexplained symptoms (abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, breast changes, rectal bleeding)
• Dense breast tissue limiting mammography effectiveness
• Endometriosis or PCOS associated with increased ovarian cancer risk
• Lynch syndrome increasing colorectal and endometrial cancer risk

Simple At-Home Sample Collection

No fasting required, making scheduling convenient. Our certified phlebotomists arrive at your Dubai location—home, office, or hotel—at your preferred time. Blood collection takes minutes, with stool collection instructions provided for home completion.

Samples are immediately transported to our CAP-accredited laboratory where advanced immunoassay analyzers measure each tumor marker precisely. Results arrive electronically within 48 hours, reviewed by our Clinical Pathologists who identify elevated markers requiring medical attention.

Complimentary Medical Consultation Included

Every Cancer Markers Female test includes physician consultation following result delivery. Our DHA-licensed doctors explain findings, interpret elevations considering menstrual cycle and gynecological conditions, recommend additional testing when warranted, arrange specialist referrals for concerning results, and provide reassurance when markers are normal.

Elevated markers receive appropriate follow-up guidance—whether repeat testing, pelvic ultrasound, mammography, colonoscopy, or specialist consultation—ensuring concerning findings receive proper investigation while avoiding unnecessary anxiety from benign causes.

Proactive Women's Health Surveillance

At AED 529, this comprehensive screening delivers peace of mind for those with normal results and potentially lifesaving early detection for those with occult malignancies. Breast and ovarian cancers detected through marker screening before symptom development offer dramatically improved survival compared to advanced-stage diagnosis.

This isn't about creating fear—it's about intelligent surveillance enabling early intervention. Women with genetic mutations, strong family history, or other risk factors benefit substantially from periodic marker monitoring, establishing baselines and detecting changes requiring investigation.

Book Your Cancer Screening Today

Schedule your Cancer Markers Female test through Vesta Care at +971 52 270 4729. Our service operates throughout Dubai with same-day appointments, professional home collection, 48-hour results, specialist pathologist review, and complimentary medical consultation. Payment accepts cash, credit cards, and Tabby installments.

Take control of your cancer risk through proactive screening. Early detection transforms outcomes—book your comprehensive female cancer marker assessment now.