Some doctors order “tumour markers” in the blood test to detect possible cancer activity in the body. If cancer is present, it will usually produce a specific protein in the blood that can server as a “marker” for the cancer. Biomarkers C12, consisting of 12 multiple tumour markers are more accurate than single tumour marker in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Tumour markers not necessarily detect all cancers and early warning signs must be diagnosed by your doctors. Imaging tools like the 64-slice MSCT, ultrasound, mammogram, etc. are used together with Tumour Markers for more accuracy in detecting cancers & tumours.

Breast cancer	Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
Colon and rectal cancer	Beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should do a colonoscopy once in every 2 years.
Cervical cancer	PAP smear once a year.
Prostate cancer	Testing of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal exam (DRE) yearly, beginning at age 50.
Lung cancer (for smokers)	CT scan lung about once every 1-2 years.

Ten Most Frequent Cancers in males, Peninsular Malaysia 2006

Ten Most Frequent Cancers in females, Peninsular Malaysia 2006

Diagram showing tumor markers / cancer associated with organs.

Tumor Sites and Relevant Tests

No	Tumor Markers	Possible Cancers	Relevant Tests
1	Ca 19.9	Liver Stomach Esophagus Colorectal Prostate Pancreas	MSCT Abdomen with contrast Gastroscopy Colonoscopy
2	NSE	Lung Pancreas Thyroid	MSCT total body scan with contrast Ultrasound thyroid
3	CEA	Lung Stomach Colorectal Breast Pancreas Uterus Bladder Thyroid Esophagus	MSCT total body scan with contrast Gastroscopy Colonoscopy Mammogram Ultrasound thyroid
4	Ca 242	Colorectal Pancreas Stomach	Colonoscopy MSCT Abdomen with contrast Gastroscopy
5	Ferritin	Liver Lung Breast Pancreas	MSCT Total Body Scan with contrast Mammogram
6	HCG	Ovary Endometrium Lung Esophagus Prostate Breast Pancreas Testicle	MSCT total body scan with contrast Gastroscopy Mammogram Ultrasound Testes
7	AFP	Liver Lung Stomach Esophagus Ovary Pancreas Testes	MSCT total body scan with contrast Gastroscopy Ultrasound testes
8	F-PSA / PSA	Prostate Endometrium Liver Lungs	MSCT total body scan with contrast Ultrasound rectal prostrate
9	Ca 125	Ovary Lungs Breast Liver Colorectal Pancreas	MSCT total body scan with contrast Mammogram Colonoscopy
10	HGH	Pituitary Lung Renal	MSCT Brain with contrast MSCT total body scan with contrast
11	Ca 15-3	Ovary Lung Colon Pancreas	MSCT total body scan with contrast Colonoscopy

Sample of Biomarkers C12 Report

HSC MEDICAL CENTER

		Req No	:
Name	:
Gender	:	Location	:
MRN	:	Physician	:
Age	:	Date	:

BIOMARKERS C12 REPORT

Item	Results	Reference Range	Unit
CA 19-9	9.13	<35	U/ml
NSE	5.64	<13	ng/ml
CEA	1.7	<5	ng/ml
CA242	2.24	<20	U/ml
Ferritin	246.9	Male < 322，Female < 219	ng/ml
ß-HCG	0.12	<3	ng/ml
AFP	0.38	<20	ng/ml
f-PSA	1.19	<1	ng/ml
PSA	6.23	<5	ng/ml
CA125	12.25	<35	U/ml
HGH	0.41	<7.5	ng/ml
CA 15-3	12.07	<35	U/ml

Verified by

Note:-

Actual values will defer from reagent based tests.
Free PSA Ratio:

f-PSA/PSA > 25 % is usually associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

f-PSA/PSA < 10 % is usually associated with Prostatic Cancer.

Relevant only if PSA elevated.
Serum ferritin is a non-specific tumor marker, increased levels also seen in inflammation, liver cirrhosis, early stage of heart attack, repeated blood transfusion and excess iron in the blood.
What if my tumor marker tests are Negative?

Of course, it's a good news, but you must always remain vigilant. Not all cancers can be detected by tumor markers, some are detected by imaging (eg. 64-slice MSCT) or endoscopy (eg. gastroscopy).
What if my tumor marker tests are Positive?

This does not necessarily mean that you have a cancer. If your reading is above normal, consultation from doctor is highly recommended.

Exclusive Partners: Malaysia Airlines | Hong Leong Assurance | Renaissance | Goldjoy Holidays (HK) | MobileHealth2u

Language: English | Bahasa Malaysia | 中文

Branch: HSC Cheras Specialists Center

Web Conceptualized and Designed by HSC IT Team