What Types of Blood Tests are Commonly Used in Cancer Detection?
Several types of blood tests are commonly used in cancer detection and management:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Helps evaluate overall health and detect a variety of conditions, including leukemia and lymphoma. - Blood Chemistry Tests: Measure the levels of various chemicals in the blood, such as electrolytes, enzymes, and glucose, providing information about organ function. - Tumor Marker Tests: Measure specific proteins or antigens associated with cancer. Examples include PSA for prostate cancer, CA-125 for ovarian cancer, and CEA for colorectal cancer. - Genetic Tests: Analyze DNA to identify mutations that may increase the risk of developing cancer or influence treatment options.
