Screening: Tumor markers can be used to screen for certain types of cancer in asymptomatic individuals. However, not all tumor markers are suitable for screening due to their lack of specificity and sensitivity. Diagnosis: Elevated levels of specific tumor markers can help in the diagnosis of certain cancers. For example, high levels of PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) can indicate prostate cancer. Prognosis: Some tumor markers can help predict how aggressive a cancer is and how likely it is to respond to treatment. For example, high levels of CA-125 can indicate a poor prognosis in ovarian cancer. Monitoring Treatment: Tumor markers can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. A decreasing level of a tumor marker may indicate that the treatment is working. Detecting Recurrence: Rising levels of tumor markers after treatment can indicate a recurrence of cancer.
