Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. What is a tumor marker? 3. How are tumor markers used? 4. Tumor markers for breast cancer 5. Tumor markers for colorectal cancer 6. What about tumor markers for other cancers? 7. Where can I get more information? 8. Summary of test recommendations 9. Resources Options      Printer Friendly    Bookmark    E-Mail Article    View PDF

1. Introduction

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To help patients understand their cancer care, ASCO has created this patient guide, based on what ASCO's experts ask your doctors to keep in mind when using tumor markers in breast and colorectal cancer. We hope it will help you learn about tumor markers and how they are used in diagnosing, treating, and following cancer.

As you read this guide, please keep in mind the following:

• Every person treated for cancer is different. These recommendations are not meant to replace your or your doctors' judgment. The final decisions you and your doctors make will be based on your individual circumstances.
  
  
• These recommendations do not apply to clinical trials (research studies), and many of the tumor markers here continue to be studied in clinical trials. Although ASCO does not recommend many of the markers listed here, it is often because there is not enough information to provide such recommendations, not because they are useless or harmful. Therefore, you may see these markers mentioned in other places as part of a research study as scientists seek to answer questions about the use of tumor markers.
  
  
• While tumor markers can sometimes help determine if cancer has come back (recurred), there is often no evidence that finding cancer early can either extend life or help people have a better quality of life. ASCO only recommends the use of a tumor marker when it has proven useful in prolonging life or improving quality of life.