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A CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) blood test measures the amount of CEA protein in the blood, which is used to monitor certain types of cancer, especially colorectal cancer. It is not a general cancer screening test but helps evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and check for recurrence. A blood sample is drawn from the arm and sent to a lab for analysis. How it works What it measures: The test measures the level of CEA, a protein that is usually in very low amounts in healthy adults but can be significantly higher in people with certain cancers. Purpose: It is used to monitor patients who have already been diagnosed with a CEA-related cancer, particularly colorectal, lung, breast, pancreatic, and thyroid cancers. Uses: Monitoring treatment: To see if cancer treatment is working. Checking for recurrence: To check if cancer has returned after treatment. Procedure: A healthcare professional draws a blood sample from your arm, which is then sent to a lab. What the results mean Normal range: The normal level of CEA in healthy adults is generally considered to be between \(0\) and \(2.5\) ng/mL. High levels: High CEA levels can be a sign of certain cancers, especially if the levels are very high (\(>20\) ng/mL). However, elevated levels can also be caused by other conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, or smoking. Important note: Because it can be elevated in non-cancerous conditions, a CEA test alone is not used to diagnose or screen for cancer. A doctor will interpret the results in the context of other tests and the patient's overall health.