Tumor markers are substances that are produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer. These markers can be detected in blood, urine, or tissue samples, and their levels may be elevated in individuals with certain types of cancer. Tumor markers are used for various purposes in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring treatment response, and detecting recurrence.

Here's a brief introduction to common tumor markers:

1.Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA): Mainly associated with colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal tumors, it may also be elevated in other cancers such as pancreatic, gastric, and breast cancer.

2.Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): Primarily used for screening and monitoring prostate cancer.

3.Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP): Associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) and certain fetal abnormalities, commonly used for screening and monitoring liver cancer.

3.Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125): Associated with ovarian cancer, typically used for monitoring and assessing treatment response in ovarian cancer.

4.Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3): Associated with breast cancer, particularly used for monitoring disease progression and treatment response in breast cancer patients.

5.Cancer Antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9): Associated with pancreatic cancer and other gastrointestinal tumors.

6.Fecal Occult Blood (FOB): It detects hidden blood in the stool, which can be indicative of gastrointestinal conditions, including colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal bleeding disorders. FOB testing is commonly used for colorectal cancer screening, especially in early detection programs.

7.Hemoglobin (Hb) and Hemoglobin-Haptoglobin Complexes (Hb+Hb-Hp): Elevated levels of these markers may indicate hemolysis, which can be associated with various conditions including certain cancers. Hemoglobin and its complexes are not specific tumor markers but can be used in conjunction with other tests for diagnostic purposes.

Tumor Marker Rapid Tests can be valuable tools in cancer screening programs, monitoring patient response to treatment, and detecting cancer recurrence. However, it's important to note that the presence of a tumor marker alone is not sufficient for a cancer diagnosis, and further clinical evaluation and testing are often required for accurate diagnosis and management. Additionally, not all cancers produce detectable levels of tumor markers, so these tests may not be applicable to all types of cancer.