Blood tests

Blood tests

Blood tests may be used to help determine whether or not the tumor is responding to therapy or if it has recurred. Some may be ordered on women who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer to determine whether their risk has a genetic component.

• CA15-3 (or CA 27.29) is a tumor marker that may be ordered at intervals after treatment to help monitor a patient for breast cancer recurrence. It is not used as a screen for breast cancer but can be used to follow it in some patients once it has been diagnosed.
• BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 gene mutation – Women who are at high risk because of a personal or strong family history of early onset breast cancer or ovarian cancer can find out if they have a BRCA gene mutation. A mutation in either gene indicates that the patient is at significantly higher lifetime risk (up to 80%) for developing the disease. It is important to remember, however, that only about 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases occur in women with a BRCA gene mutation. Genetic counseling should be considered both before testing takes place and after receiving positive test results.