Worried about rising CEA levels

Hi, newby here. My cea fluctuates between 3.5 and 5.0, all scans clear for over two years. Does anyone else have fluctuations like mine. I was stage 3a rectal cancer.

Demand a pet scan. When I asked for a pet scan even though MRI and cat scan were clean, I was told not to worry about rising CEA level because of recent surgery. Rising CEA level had three time previously indicated cancer had returned. Six months after my request for a scan and assurances not to worry, CEA doubled what it had ever been, rising 6 points in one month. Now my cancer is inoperable. Can't say what if - but, I have a 4-year old at home.

Mine have gone from 2.9-3.0 to now 6.1 and they have told me the same thing, that you can't go by CEA, not to worry. But even at my height of cancer my CEA was never 6.1. Had colon cancer in 2016 and may scares since then, had abscess 1 year after colon resection which no one has ever been able to explain or correct, gallbladder cancer scare in 2019, last peroneal metastases last year, they say I don't have now, and even in all that did not have high CEA levels. Oncologist says wait 3 months and run another CEA and then maybe a PET. Still concerned.

All I can say is trust your gut. If you trust your oncologist and think waiting three months is okay, that's fine. But, if CEA levels are still elevated, would demand a Pet Scan (even with the increased health risks versus other scans) if nother else than for your own peace of mind. Trust that you know your own body.

Concern about an elevate cea. Had one a year half ago was 3.1. Was just DX with an angioma and had MD order another one which is 4.6.
There is a family hx of colon ca and had a coloprep not a colonoscopy a few years ago. Getting very concern at this time. Need a routine colonoscopy.

I'd be concerned as well about the 4.6 and family history and do as your thinking, but I'm also thinking checking with a oncologist would be a good thing.

CEA going up after previous treatment is an indicator that more investigation is necessary (like scans) to see if there's a recurrence somewhere.

There's also another blood test called Signatera which others with cancer have had.

Hi @patbaret, with a history of colon cancer in the family, colonoscopies are usually recommended. Ddid you discuss getting a colonoscopy with your primary care physician?

Yes, saw him yesterday. Passed out from prep last time so ordered cologaurd

Any update on cea and your health ? I have a friend going through this now

Hello,
I am having many of the same issues with the CEA and need reassurance. I was diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer siz months ago and the polyps were removed. My cat scans and MRIs have all been normal, but my CEA keeps rising. It was 5.1 but now 5.5 after my most recent bloodwork. I am having alot of anxiety because of this. New oncologist appointment is scheduled for May 2. I'm concerned that because it has risen, they will order more tests. I have no reflux and am concerned that they will order an endoscopy. Not sure what they will say. I had a sigmoidoscopy maybe they'll order another colonoscopy? not sure what else they can order.