CEA Levels

Hi ,

My mum’s CEA suddenly went above five around five years ago . I think it can rise slightly as you get older . Not saying your husband is though ! 
She had two additional scans but it became her new normal .

Not sure what it is now as she has a recurrence but decided to leave it this time in terms of knowing her numbers .

Hope it drops back down by the next one .

Court 

Thank you court  I am hoping it's a spike so keeping everything crossed .hope your mum gets on OK..

When I was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in May '19, my CEA levels were 10. All my CT scans so far after have been clear (I am awaiting results of my recent one 2 weeks ago.) As for CEA - they have gradually gone done from 10, to 8, & now they are 5. My Colectorectal team say this is a 'normal' reading.

As a smoker, these levels are apparently always higher. My team were never bothered about these levels, & said they would only be concerned if they rose above 15. I am not convinced that CEA levels are accurate determinants in cancer diagnosis.

Best wishes

Marianne

Hi, my CEA levels rose to over 5 following round 2 and 3 of CAPOX chemo. Following my post chemo blood tests, the level is 2.4. I met with my oncologist after round 2 and he advised that they would keep an eye on it and if it rose further, then I would have a CT scan, it did worry me but after a spoke to my colectoral nurse, she advised that many hospitals do not use the CEA levels as they are not always reliable and can rise for other reasons. Also patients get hung up on just that reading when it only makes up a small part of what is going on. Just hang on in there and hopefully it will drop down . xx

Hi Ellen

My view is that CEA tests are "broadly" accurate.

They are cheap..£4 for a hospital in house lab, you get the results in 2 hours. Treat them as indicators...provides a kick.up the backside to.lobby for PET top to.toe scans

Oncologist treat only what they can see so a CEA is a uaeful supplement not the bible.

On a personal level.mine went from.96 to 5 pre and post treatments.

Good luck

My CEA is rising not a lot bug after speaking to my oncologist and specialist both have said not to worry they fluctuate during chemo mine was 10.8 when diagnosed in 2022 now 17 with a stable ct Nov I'm trying not to place to much on them as I trust my oncologist. Xx