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Had colon cancer and now CEA is rising: Scared
Colorectal Cancer | Last Active: Nov 4, 2023 | Replies (26)Comment receiving replies
Had sigmoid colon cancer in 2013. CEA was 15.7 pre-op. Stage 2, no lymph node involvement. One lymph node was in question for 2 weeks, after which they determined that it was negative, (see pic). Oral Xeloda for 9 months. CT's clear. CEA dropped to 0.4. Fast forward to 2023, have some weight loss, around 10 lbs due to eating less. CEA has very slowly crept up to 2.0. Have had 4 consecutive rises in the past 2 years. Still within normal parameters, should I be concerned ?
Replies to "Had sigmoid colon cancer in 2013. CEA was 15.7 pre-op. Stage 2, no lymph node involvement...."
@tirse, I think you will appreciate the responses from fellow members in these related discussions:
- Had colon cancer and now CEA is rising: Scared
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/colon-cancer-10-year-and-now-raised-cea/
- Worried about rising CEA levels
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cea-levels/
I completely agree with @rjjacobsen, that your rise in CEA shouldn't be cause for alarm, but definitely something to monitor and to discuss a plan with your oncologist. When is your next follow up appointment?
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Just a former cancer patient, not a expert.
Technically, 0-2.9 is normal per the Cleveland Clinic. From their web page:
What levels of CEA indicate cancer?
There’s no magic number or threshold for a CEA test that points to cancer. Healthcare providers don’t use the CEA test to screen for or diagnose cancer. In general, a CEA level of more than 2.9 ng/mL is considered abnormal but doesn’t necessarily mean that cancer is present.
I had a bump in my CEA levels and my oncologist reduced the surveillance scan and blood work interval from 6 to 4 months.
I think it merits continued surveillance, but not panic or worry,
Recommend discussion your oncologist - they're the expert.