Blood Tests & Screening
About this service
A CEA tumour marker test is a blood test done at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek that measures carcino-embryonic antigen, a substance that can be raised in some cancers, particularly bowel cancer, though also in a range of other conditions. Your doctor may request this test as part of screening in specific circumstances, or more commonly to help monitor a known cancer diagnosis and track how treatment is progressing over time.
A small blood sample is taken in our rooms, and your doctor will discuss the result with you in the context of your full clinical picture, since this marker on its own does not confirm a diagnosis.
What to expect
- A blood sample is drawn in our rooms and sent to the laboratory for CEA analysis
- Your doctor compares the new level with previous results to look for a trend
- A single raised CEA does not confirm cancer and is always read with your history and scans
- Results can be forwarded to your oncologist or surgeon if you are under specialist care
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- Monitoring a known bowel or related cancer diagnosis
- Follow-up after cancer treatment
- Investigating symptoms as advised by your doctor
- A doctor's request as part of a broader work-up
- Tracking treatment response over time
Frequently asked questions
Can a CEA blood test diagnose bowel cancer?
Not on its own. CEA can be raised in bowel and some other cancers, but also in smokers and in benign conditions. Your doctor uses it as one piece of the picture, most often to track a known cancer during and after treatment.
Why does my oncologist want a CEA test?
A CEA level that falls after treatment and stays low is reassuring, while a rising trend can prompt further scans. Regular results at Eastgate Clinic can be shared with your specialist.
Do I need to fast before a CEA tumour marker test?
No. It is a standard blood sample and you can eat and drink normally beforehand.
Ready to book your cea tumour marker test?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.