Colon Cancer Screening
CEA Tumor Marker & Fecal Occult Blood Testing
Results in 24-48 Hours
Home Collection
CNOPS/CNSS
Colon Cancer Screening at TEKlaB
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and highly preventable through early detection. Regular screening can detect polyps before they become cancerous and identify cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.
About Colorectal Cancer
When detected early, colorectal cancer has a 90% survival rate. Most colon cancers start as polyps that take 10-15 years to develop, making regular screening highly effective.
Colon Cancer Screening Tests
CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)
Blood tumor marker
- Monitors treatment response
- Detects recurrence
- Normal: <3 ng/mL (non-smokers)
- Normal: <5 ng/mL (smokers)
Fecal Occult Blood (FOBT)
Stool screening test
- Detects hidden blood in stool
- Non-invasive home test
- Annual screening recommended
- Early warning sign
Who Should Get Colon Cancer Screening?
- Everyone 50+ - Regular screening every 1-2 years
- Family history - Start screening at 40 if parent/sibling had colon cancer
- Personal history of polyps - Regular monitoring needed
- Inflammatory bowel disease - Crohn's or ulcerative colitis patients
- Blood in stool - Any rectal bleeding
- Changes in bowel habits - Persistent diarrhea or constipation
- Unexplained weight loss - Anemia or fatigue
Important Notes About CEA
- Not for initial diagnosis - Colonoscopy is the gold standard
- Best for monitoring - Tracks known cancer or detects recurrence
- False positives - Smokers, liver disease, inflammation can elevate CEA
- Rising trend matters - Progressive increase more concerning than single high value
- Combined testing - Use with colonoscopy and imaging
What Causes Elevated CEA?
Cancer-Related
- Colorectal cancer (most common)
- Pancreatic cancer
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Stomach cancer
Non-Cancer Causes
- Smoking (major cause)
- Liver disease (cirrhosis)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Pancreatitis
- Chronic lung disease
Understanding CEA Levels
| CEA Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| <2.5 ng/mL | Normal (non-smokers) |
| <5 ng/mL | Normal (smokers) |
| 5-10 ng/mL | Mildly elevated - benign or early cancer |
| >10 ng/mL | Significantly elevated - investigate further |
| >20 ng/mL | Very high - likely advanced cancer |
Complete Colon Cancer Screening
Laboratory tests are part of comprehensive colorectal cancer screening. Combine with:
- Colonoscopy - Gold standard, detects and removes polyps
- FIT test - Modern fecal immunochemical test (more accurate than FOBT)
- Sigmoidoscopy - Examines lower colon
- CT colonography - Virtual colonoscopy imaging
- Stool DNA test - Detects genetic markers
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) Instructions
Before the test (3 days):
- Avoid red meat, liver, and processed meats
- Avoid vitamin C supplements and citrus fruits
- Avoid NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen) if possible
- Avoid iron supplements
Collection:
- Collect sample from 3 different bowel movements
- Follow kit instructions carefully
- Return samples within 14 days
Warning Signs
See a doctor immediately if:
- Blood in stool (red or black)
- Persistent change in bowel habits
- Narrow stools
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constant fatigue
- Feeling that bowel doesn't empty
Hours
- Mon-Fri07:30-19:00
- Saturday08:30-17:00
- Sunday09:00-14:00
Other Cancer Screenings
Schedule Your Colon Cancer Screening
90% survival rate when detected early. Don't wait for symptoms.
Book Now