As you can see, each marker is linked to certain cancers. However, no single tumour marker test can detect all cancers, e.g. PSA is only useful for the prostate, CA-125 for ovarian cancer and not breast cancer.

How accurate are tumour marker tests?

Tumour marker tests are not 100% accurate. A high level doesn’t always mean cancer, and a normal level doesn’t always mean you’re cancer-free. Many tumour markers like CEA, CA 19-9 and CA 50 tend to rise only in the later stages of gastric cancer, which makes them less useful for early detection.

There is also the possibility of false positives (raised markers due to benign conditions like inflammation, infection, or stress) and false negatives (early-stage cancers may not produce enough markers to show up).

For the most accurate results, we often recommend confirmatory tests such as scopes, imaging scans or biopsies alongside tumour markers.

Should I do a scope instead of a tumour market test then?

While tumour marker tests are not meant to replace diagnostic procedures like scopes, imaging, or biopsies, they can serve as supportive tools:

• Tumour markers are not definitive. Elevated results may be due to non-cancerous conditions (e.g., inflammation, infection, or even lifestyle factors). A normal result also does not completely rule out cancer.
• Scopes provide direct visualisation. For example, a colonoscopy allows doctors to see and remove polyps before they become cancerous, while a gastroscopy checks for stomach or oesophageal issues that a blood test cannot detect.

Where a tumour marker test comes in helpful is when doctors need to monitor treatment response, check for recurrence, or guide further investigations when paired with symptoms or imaging results.

If you have persistent symptoms e.g. blood in stools, abdominal bloating, your doctor will likely recommend a scope or imaging regardless of your tumour marker levels.

In short, a tumour marker test can be a helpful screening tool, but a scope remains the primary and most reliable way for detecting and confirming cancer at an early and treatable stage.

Can stress cause tumour markers to rise?

Stress alone is unlikely to directly raise tumour markers. However, stress can affect your body in other ways, impacting immunity, hormones, and overall health. More commonly, tumour markers can be elevated due to non-cancerous conditions such as:

• Chronic inflammation
• Infections
• Liver disease
• Benign cysts or growths

Is the Lucence Multi-Cancer Detection Test more accurate than traditional tumour marker tests?

The Lucence Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) test is a blood-based screening tool designed to detect multiple types of cancer from a single sample. Unlike traditional tumour marker tests that measure specific proteins associated with one or a few cancers, Lucence analyses circulating DNA fragments shed by cancer cells. This allows it to potentially identify a wider range of cancers, even at earlier stages.

While this approach can improve early detection and reduce the likelihood of false positives caused by benign conditions or inflammation, it is important to understand that Lucence is still a screening tool. It cannot confirm the presence, location, or stage of cancer.

For definitive diagnosis, scopes, imaging, and biopsies remain the primary diagnostic methods. Abnormal results from any blood-based test should always be followed up with these investigations to ensure accurate assessment and timely treatment.

Considering Getting Screened?

Tumour markers are valuable tools in cancer care—but they are not a substitute for diagnostic tests. They are most effective when combined with imaging, scopes, and professional medical guidance. If you’re considering screening, consult our gastroenterologist to explore the options that suit your age, risk profile, and current stage of life.