Cancer Marker Blood Tests
Mar 14, 2026
Cancer Marker Blood Tests
Cancer marker blood tests measure proteins (tumour markers) that may be elevated in certain cancers—including PSA for prostate, CA-125 for ovarian, CEA for bowel, and others—but it's essential to understand that these tests have significant limitations: they can be elevated for benign reasons and normal despite cancer being present. Used appropriately with doctor interpretation, they can be part of health screening, but they are not definitive cancer tests.
At Blood Test London, cancer marker testing costs from £265. A doctor always reviews every result, explaining exactly what your results mean and don't mean.
Important: What Cancer Markers CAN and CAN'T Do
Can:
Indicate need for further investigation
Monitor known cancer during treatment
Detect recurrence after treatment
Provide piece of a diagnostic puzzle
Cannot:
Definitively diagnose cancer
Rule out cancer (normal doesn't mean cancer-free)
Replace proper cancer screening (mammograms, colonoscopy, etc.)
Identify cancer type or location alone
Common Cancer Markers
Marker | Associated Cancers | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
PSA | Prostate | Elevated in BPH, infection, cycling |
CA-125 | Ovarian | Elevated in endometriosis, periods, fibroids |
CEA | Bowel, lung | Elevated in smokers, inflammation |
AFP | Liver, testicular | Elevated in liver disease, pregnancy |
CA 19-9 | Pancreatic, GI | Elevated in pancreatitis, bile duct disease |
CA 15-3 | Breast | Not useful for screening |
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
Most commonly requested marker
Elevated in prostate cancer
Also elevated in: enlarged prostate, prostatitis, after ejaculation, cycling, age
Useful for screening when interpreted correctly
See our dedicated PSA page for more detail
CA-125 (Cancer Antigen 125)
Often requested by women
May be elevated in ovarian cancer
Also elevated in: menstruation, endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic infection, liver disease
NOT recommended for ovarian cancer screening in average-risk women
May be useful with symptoms or high risk
Who Should Consider Tumour Markers?
Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
General screening, no symptoms | PSA discussion for men 50+ |
Family history of specific cancer | Discuss relevant markers |
Symptoms suggestive of cancer | Part of investigation |
Known cancer patient | Monitoring |
High-risk individuals | Discuss with oncologist |
Our Approach
We offer cancer marker testing but with:
Full informed consent—you understand limitations
Doctor interpretation—not just numbers
Appropriate follow-up guidance
Never as "cancer ruling out" tests
Testing Options
Single Marker - From £265
Individual marker of choice
Doctor interpretation
Men's Cancer Screening Panel - £345
PSA
CEA
AFP
Doctor review
Women's Cancer Screening Panel - £345
CA-125
CEA
CA 15-3
Doctor review
Book Cancer Marker Testing
Price: From £265
Results: 2-3 days
Doctor review: A doctor always reviews every result
Book via WhatsApp | Phone: 020 3951 3429
Blood Test London by The Wellness. Cancer marker testing from £265. A doctor always reviews every result.