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Through the CA 15 3 test doctors measure cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) concentrations within the blood through a diagnostic blood examination. The cancer protein is linked to breast cancer conditions and the CA 15 3 blood test provides crucial information about disease development and treatment results. It might not be used for initial diagnosis of a patient but it does play an important role in in breast cancer management for patients who are already diagnosed.
The healthcare provider usually orders a CA 15 3 test for breast cancer patients with advanced or metastatic conditions. A doctor uses this test to determine if treatment like chemotherapy or hormone therapy will adequately benefit their patients. The determination of increasing or decreasing CA 15-3 levels reveals either disease progression or successful treatment outcome. The test can also see if breast cancer has returned, following the completion of medical treatment. But, the diagnostic value of the CA 15 3 blood test is limited since the protein marker also rises in the blood during benign breast conditions alongside liver diseases.
The CA 15-3 blood Test uses blood analysis to measure CA 15-3 protein amounts. Cancer cells release tumor markers in the form of protein substances which are called CA 15-3. Blood collection for the test remains simple as a laboratory subsequently analyzes the obtained blood sample to identify CA 15-3 protein levels.
The CA 15 3 blood test process is simple without any preparation requirements. A medical professional obtains samples of blood from a patient's arm through a vein puncture for the test. The test procedure takes minimal time and only provides minor discomfort to patients. The patient is not required to do any fasting prior to having the test administered. The CA 15 3 blood test results may be affected by medications and supplements so patients need to communicate this information to their doctor.