Blood Tests for Cancer

Blood testing is a tool healthcare providers use to help diagnose and manage cancer. Examples include complete blood count and tumor markers. The results can provide important information about overall health, organ function and potential disease.

Test used to diagnose Cancer?

Blood testing is one of many tools healthcare providers use to diagnose and manage cancer.

The tests can provide important information about:

• Chemicals and proteins in your blood that might indicate cancer.
• Levels of blood cells that are too high or too low, perhaps because of cancer.
• Overall health.
• Organ function.
• Stage of cancer.
• Treatment options.
• Whether treatment is working or if the disease is progressing.
• To check whether cancer has come back, (recurrence).

What tests are done to check for cancer?

Blood tests for cancer fall into five general categories:

1. Complete blood count (CBC)
2. Tumor markers
3. Blood protein testing
4. Circulating tumor cell tests
5. Genetic Testing
6. Liquid biopsy

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