CA 27-29 numbers rising: Does anyone else have an issue like this?

By looking at size of them on pet scan.

I had a double mastectomy on 4/28/22. Started Anastrozole shortly thereafter. It was ductal carcinoma in situ, however had a small contained metastasized area in the left breast just outside the duct. They removed all breast tissue both sides & my centinal (sp) node on the left, tested no cancer present. I just had my first CA 27.29 test done and high is 38. Mine came back at 52. I am beside myself with fear. Is this number common with the
Anastrozole treatment or this soon after surgery...?

May I ask, what is NED? Your statement about 'large margin of error' made me breathe a little easier for tonight. TY.

Welcome, @lazomama. I see you found the recent discussion about CA 27-29 tumor marker. I moved your first post here too:
- CA 27-29 numbers rising: Does anyone else have an issue like this? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ca-27-29-consistently-high-in-the-40s/

I did this so you can connect easily with other members talking about this like @cindylb @jlms @oilermama @mom23boys @keepmoving2 @elizm @auntieoakley and many others.

A few things are important to know about cancer antigen 27.29 (CA 27.29) blood test:
- The CA 27.29 test is primarily used to monitor stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.
- CA 27.29 levels will most likely rise during the first 30–90 days of cancer treatment for some patients. This is because treatment can cause the tumor to release CA 27.29 antigens into the bloodstream. Because of this, your oncologist may wait two to three months after the start of each new treatment to get an accurate test result.
- Studies have shown that the test results don't specifically differentiate breast cancer from other causes, including noncancerous causes.
- It is rare that the CA 27.29 is ordered on its own. Additionally tests are required to confirm findings.
Read more: https://www.verywellhealth.com/cancer-antigen-2729-430607

Lazomamma, it is so tough to get this information just before the weekend. You are understandably beside yourself. The community is here for you to get you through the weekend. When are you scheduled to meet with your oncologist?
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@lazomama The moderator looped me into this discussion and first let me say....Hugs to you. All of this is so nerve racking. Hang in there.
Blood Tumor markers can be an indication of cancer or so many things and treatments.....My husband is in year 7 of Stage Four Cancer which they said he would die from within 3 months, so.......He has had PET scans and tumor marker tests every 3 months for 7 years. He had never had a 'normal' result until his last scan in July and his levels were well below 'normal'. The marker tests didn't always follow spread of his disease or treatment, so it's been all over the place. His lowest until this last scan was 45 and his top test was 1,200.... It's just one way for them to find things and try to fix them quickly if they need to do so. It could be an indicator or not. Follow up, stay on top of all your tests and advocate for yourself always.

Hello, I would like to ease your mind a bit. Cancer markers are all over the place, all the time. It’s a good thing that it is only one tiny piece of the puzzle when monitoring cancer. I am not sure if the Anastrazole can effect the numbers, but it seems almost every treatment has some effect. I hope this eases your mind some.
NED on a PET scan stands for no evidence of disease. So the post from the member with high marker numbers and no disease should should be reassuring.
How are you feeling now that you are post surgery and on to endocrine therapy?

I had the same fear and had a discussion with my oncologist just a few weeks ago.

Given the imperfect nature and unreliability of the test, we decided to discontinue the use of this test as it was causing me a lot of stress as my numbers were going up and down for no rhyme or reason.

Many things can bring on a higher number such as the diet you’re consuming, alcohol and also strenuous exercise.

My oncologist then stated that this test is best used for those who are metastatic as if the numbers continuously go up, it may be evidence that the patient is no longer in remission.

She then indicated that my bloodwork, clinical exam and overall health will determine if we need to look any further for a recurrence.

Talk to your oncologist and hopefully your fears will be relieved. ♥️

I was stable in the 30's for years. Mine jumped to 60 then 80's when my body stopped reacting positively to my meds (Ibrance and Faslodex at the time.) It was just one of several markers I had. I was extremely fatigued, suspected a tumor growing near my sternum and saw a growth on my clavicle. So, it was just one of many things. On it's own, it would just likely make me less likely to ignore something I might have otherwise. The CA27-29 is also tricky because some women have numbers in the hundreds! I'd take something to help me sleep and be grateful research has given us more than 1 tool to use. Best of luck to you!

Thank you so much!! When I read what this test is usually used for, I wondered why he did it at all... but I'm going ty ask tomorrow what you did about it making me nuts & why are we doing this test given my type of cancer.
Thank you so much again!

@jemma17 What was your treatment for the growth in your clavicle? Did you have radiation treatment? Was cancer found in your lymph nodes? I found a lump in my clavicle area and Onc said it is in my lymph nodes so I did chemo and just finished radiation treatment. My throat/esophagus is literally burning and wondering if you had any similar side effects.