Doctor's Assessment Included
Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)
CEA is a broad tumor marker associated with colorectal, lung, and other tissue activity. For men focused on comprehensive health monitoring, CEA provides a useful data point when tracked over time. Smoking status is important for accurate interpretation.
What It Measures
CEA measures the blood concentration of carcinoembryonic antigen, a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion during early foetal development. In healthy adults, CEA is present at very low levels. Elevated concentrations may reflect increased cellular activity in various tissues.
Why It Matters
CEA is widely used to monitor certain conditions over time and assess treatment response. Because CEA can be elevated by many benign factors — most notably smoking — a single raised result should always be reviewed in full clinical context.
When to Test
CEA testing is typically recommended by a healthcare provider rather than self-requested. Consult your healthcare provider before arranging this test independently.
Symptoms
Low Levels
Low or undetectable CEA levels are within the normal reference range and are not associated with specific symptoms.
High Levels
An elevated CEA does not itself cause symptoms. Important note: smoking can raise CEA significantly. Reference ranges differ for smokers and non-smokers.
Lifestyle Tips
Not smoking is the single most impactful lifestyle change for reducing CEA levels. A diet rich in vegetables, fruit, and whole grains — combined with regular physical activity and limited alcohol — supports overall colon health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an elevated CEA mean I have cancer?
No. CEA can be elevated by many benign conditions, including smoking, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver disease.
Why is there a different reference range for smokers?
Smoking stimulates CEA production and regularly causes levels to exceed the standard reference range for non-smokers.
Can CEA screen for colorectal cancer in healthy people?
No. CEA is not recommended as a population screening tool. Established colorectal screening programmes are the appropriate tools for this purpose.