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CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)

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.

Doctor's Assessment Included

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): what this test 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.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): why this value 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.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): how the blood test works

Referral: No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw: A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Where: 650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): when is testing worthwhile?

CEA testing is typically recommended by a healthcare provider rather than self-requested. Consult your healthcare provider before arranging this test independently.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): symptoms of a high or low value

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.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): lifestyle and this value

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.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): 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.

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

Prostate

Men Over 40 Panel

Age-appropriate screening including testosterone and PSA.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Triglycerides Creatinine Free T4 (Thyroxine) LDL Cholesterol SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Cholesterol Vitamin D (25-OH) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone hs-CRP (High Sensitivity CRP) HDL Cholesterol eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio

€279,-

Prostate