The CA 15-3 looks at a breast cancer marker. It is done for: monitoring known breast cancer (not for screening).
General health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 102. Always consult a qualified health professional.
CA 15-3 is a blood test that measures a marker related to breast cancer. It is used to monitor known breast cancer rather than for screening. The test involves no fasting and is specific to the laboratory. High or positive results may indicate possible cancer activity or benign causes, while low or negative results suggest normal. Results should be interpreted by a qualified health worker.
Sources: SI health summary (own words); MedlinePlus Lab Tests and CDC as references
Monitoring known breast cancer (not for screening).
No fasting needed. Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report. High or positive may mean: Possible cancer activity; also benign causes. Low or negative may mean: Normal. General information, not a diagnosis. Results must be interpreted by a qualified health worker.
A breast cancer marker.
Blood
Possible cancer activity; also benign causes.
Normal.
Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex — always use the range printed on your own report.
Consult a doctor to interpret results — a single test does not make a diagnosis.
Uses your location once to list the nearest facilities. Nothing is stored.
What does the CA 15-3 measure?
A breast cancer marker.
Why is the CA 15-3 done?
Monitoring known breast cancer (not for screening).
Do I need to fast for the CA 15-3?
No fasting needed.
What does a high or positive CA 15-3 mean?
Possible cancer activity; also benign causes.
What does a low or negative CA 15-3 mean?
Normal.
What is the normal range for the CA 15-3?
Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report.
Why is CA 15-3 done?
Monitoring known breast cancer (not for screening).
Do I need to prepare or fast for CA 15-3?
No fasting needed. Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report. High or positive may mean: Possible cancer activity; also benign causes. Low or negative may mean: Normal. General information, not a diagnosis. Results must be interpreted by a qualified health worker.
SI text CC BY 4.0; decoder reference data (cited per range); LOINC codes free with attribution (notice included).
Sources: SI health summary (own words); MedlinePlus Lab Tests and CDC as references