Tumor markers and cancer screening

The most direct and effective method to prevent cancer is receiving tumor marker tests. Tumor markers are chemical substances produced by tumors themselves or by the body in response to certain malignant or benign tumors, and their concentration levels are used as indicators to diagnose, predict, or evaluate the efficacy of cancer treatment, as well as to predict the recurrence of cancer. Tumor marker tests help identify high-risk groups and are currently very effective in cancer prevention.

However, if patients have other non-cancerous diseases such as inflammation and infection, unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, or physiological conditions such as menstruation, pregnancy, congenital inheritance, etc., they can affect tumor marker levels. Therefore, tumor marker tests cannot be used alone as the basis for diagnosis and must be combined with other examinations, such as imaging tests, CT scans, ultrasound scans, etc.

For example,AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) has always been considered a tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma. AFP is mainly produced during foetal development, and its concentration in the blood rapidly decreases after birth. Therefore, healthy individuals have a relatively low AFP level. If a test reveals an increase in AFP levels, it could be a sign of liver cancer, as well as various benign diseases, such as inflammation or infection, including cirrhosis, acute hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis, and more. Therefore, tumor markers can also serve as indicators of lesions in the body.

Through effective screening and testing, such as tumor marker tests or genetic tests, people can find out if they have a high-risk gene for a certain type of cancer. The cost of tumor marker testing depends on the scope of the examination, with a wider range of markers covered resulting in higher fees. As for genetic tests, we would recommend them only for individuals with relevant family histories or personal cancer histories.

Tumor Marker Combo Screening Package

reVIVE Oncology and Cancer Centre has introduced Tumor Marker Combo Screening Package that covers eight common tumor markers. Tumor Marker Combo Screening Package provides two different types of tests for cancer risks in both men and women. In addition to detecting the risks of nasopharyngeal cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and Pancreatic Cancer, prostate cancer is specifically screened for men, while breast cancer and ovarian cancer are screened for women. These cancers are all among the top ten deadly male and female cancers in Hong Kong in recent years. Therefore, it is recommended to receive regular health check-ups, generally once a year, to detect potential health risks or underlying health problems early on.