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What is a Blood Test for Breast Cancer?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

A blood test for breast cancer usually involves taking a blood sample to learn more about a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer or to gain valuable information about its presence in a woman who has already been diagnosed with the disease. For example, one type of blood test for breast cancer is used to determine whether a woman has mutations of genes that may indicate an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Another type is used in evaluating how well breast cancer treatment is working. Still another type of test may be useful in assessing whether or not a case of breast cancer is getting worse or beginning to spread to other parts of the body.

One type of blood test for breast cancer is referred to as the BRCA gene test. This test is used to evaluate two genes, called BRCA1 and BRCA2, that indicate a person’s susceptibility to breast cancer. Mutations of these genes may mean that a woman is more likely to develop breast cancer. Mutations do not, however, mean that a woman has cancer or even that she will definitely develop it at some later date. If this test reveals that a woman is more susceptible to breast cancer than others, she may use this information to make decisions concerning the prevention of this type of cancer.

A cancer antigen test is one type of blood test for cancer.
A cancer antigen test is one type of blood test for cancer.

A cancer antigen test is another type of blood test for cancer. For example, cancer antigen 27.29 tests involve a protein called CA 27.29. When blood levels of this protein are rising, this typically means the patient’s cancer is getting worse; rising levels may even indicate that the cancer is spreading or has spread to other parts of the body. This test is not used to diagnose breast cancer but to help monitor the success of treatment and the status of the cancer. It may also be used to determine whether cancer has returned after breast cancer treatment.

The BRCA test is one type of blood test used to help diagnose breast cancer.
The BRCA test is one type of blood test used to help diagnose breast cancer.

CA 15-3 is also used as a blood test for breast cancer. As with CA 27.29, it is not used to diagnose breast cancer. Instead, it is used to detect a rise in levels of a protein called CA 15-3. It is typically used to evaluate the progression of cancer as well as the patient’s response to treatment. This particular blood test for breast cancer is usually used for advanced stages of cancer of the breast.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

golf07

A blood test to determine your possible risk for breast cancer seems like a pretty simple, yet powerful piece of information to have. If you have anyone in your family who has been diagnosed with this disease, don't wait until you have breast cancer symptoms until you get checked. As much knowledge as you can have ahead of time can make all the difference for yourself.

This is not something to mess around with or think, it can't happen to me. It can happen to anybody at any time, and with the advances we have in medicine today, I think we should take advantage of whatever we can to know where we stand.

myharley

I think if you have a family history of breast cancer, this blood test would be a very valuable asset to have. Anytime you can have early genetic testing for breast cancer you have put yourself in a offensive position. Becoming aware of your options when you have a genetic disposition to a certain disease can give you a head start in prevention.

Some people say they would rather not know, but I would want to know what I am dealing with so I could make the right life style choices.

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    • A cancer antigen test is one type of blood test for cancer.
      By: luchshen
      A cancer antigen test is one type of blood test for cancer.
    • The BRCA test is one type of blood test used to help diagnose breast cancer.
      By: Goran Bogicevic
      The BRCA test is one type of blood test used to help diagnose breast cancer.
    • BRCA gene test and cancer antigen test are among methods used to test for signs of breast cancer.
      By: weim
      BRCA gene test and cancer antigen test are among methods used to test for signs of breast cancer.
    • One type of blood test is used to evaluate how well a breast cancer treatment is working.
      By: rob3000
      One type of blood test is used to evaluate how well a breast cancer treatment is working.