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Tumour Associated Markers
Cancer and tumour-related conditions often develop silently, with noticeable symptoms appearing only once the disease has progressed. Early detection is therefore essential, as it can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prognosis. Tumour-associated markers are substances produced either by cancerous cells or by the body in response to cancer. These markers can be measured in the blood and provide valuable insights for early detection, ongoing monitoring, and personalised treatment planning. While not definitive diagnostic tools on their own, they form a crucial part of a broader cancer screening and surveillance strategy.
Your doctor may recommend a Tumour-Associated Marker Blood Test if you have a family history of cancer, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, unusual lumps or swelling, digestive changes, or if you are undergoing post-treatment monitoring to assess therapy response or detect cancer recurrence. Early testing is crucial to identify potential issues before complications arise and to guide decisions regarding further investigation or intervention.
3 markersCA 125, 15-3 & 19-9
48 hrsresults turnaround
GPled interpretation
UKASaccredited lab
About tumour-associated markers
Tumour-associated markers are proteins that can be measured in the blood and are sometimes raised in particular cancers. They are not a diagnosis and not a general cancer screen — they can be raised for many non-cancer reasons, and can be normal even when cancer is present. For these reasons they're used as one part of a wider assessment, most often alongside clinical advice or to help monitor a known condition.
Because the results need careful interpretation, every one is reviewed and explained by a GP in the context of your symptoms and history — and we'll always guide you on sensible next steps rather than leaving you to interpret a number alone.
What's included
Three commonly requested tumour-associated markers.
Markers tested
- Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125) — a protein most associated with the ovaries. It can be raised in ovarian cancer, but also in many benign conditions such as menstruation, endometriosis and fibroids.
- Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) — a marker most associated with breast tissue, used mainly to help monitor a known condition rather than to screen or diagnose.
- Cancer Antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) — a marker associated with the pancreas and some digestive and biliary conditions. It can also be raised for benign reasons.
These associations indicate where a marker may be relevant — they are not diagnoses. A raised result does not confirm cancer, and a normal result does not exclude it.
How these results are used
Part of a wider pictureConsidered alongside your symptoms, examination and other tests.
MonitoringMost valuable for tracking a condition that's already known.
Guiding next stepsMay prompt further, more specific investigations.
Always GP-interpretedNever read in isolation — a doctor puts the result in context.
How it works
Book onlineChoose a time that suits you, or call us. Most checks can be booked online.
Quick blood sampleA short, comfortable appointment at one of our clinical sites — around 15 minutes.
Expert lab analysisYour sample is processed by a locally based UKAS-accredited laboratory.
GP-reviewed resultsWithin 48 hours, a GP reviews and explains your results — with clear, personalised advice.
When might this test be considered?
Because tumour markers are not a screening test, they're best arranged with medical guidance. They may be considered if you:
Are monitoring a known conditionUnder the care of a doctor or specialist.
Have specific concernsThat you'd like to explore alongside a GP's advice.
Have a relevant historyPersonal or family history worth discussing with a clinician.
Want a professional steerOur GPs can advise whether this is the right test for you.
Why choose Solasta
GP interpretation, not softwareEvery result is reviewed and explained by an experienced local GP — so you know what it means and what to do next.
Accurate, accredited resultsAnalysed by a locally based UKAS-accredited laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) for reliable, fast diagnostics.
Continuity of careMore than a one-off test — discreet, unhurried care with ongoing support and follow-up if needed.
What to know before your appointment
What these markers can — and can't — tell you
These tests are not a diagnosis and not a general cancer screen. Levels are often raised for non-cancer reasons, and can be normal even when cancer is present. Please don't view a result as confirming or ruling out cancer — your GP will interpret it in context.
Don't delay if you have symptoms
If you have persistent or worrying symptoms — such as unexplained weight loss, ongoing bloating, a breast change or a change in bowel habit — please seek medical assessment promptly, regardless of any result. Don't wait on a blood test, and seek urgent care for red-flag symptoms.
Timing (women)
CA 125 can be raised around your period or by conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids, so you may be advised to test outside menstruation. Please let us know if this is relevant.
No special preparation
There's no need to fast — you can eat and drink as normal before your appointment.
Tumour Associated Markers FAQs
What are tumour-associated markers?
They're proteins measured in the blood that can be raised in certain cancers — but also in many benign conditions. Here we measure CA 125, CA 15-3 and CA 19-9.
Can this test diagnose cancer?
No. These markers cannot diagnose cancer and are not a general screening test. They form one part of a wider assessment and must be interpreted by a doctor alongside your symptoms and other findings.
What does a raised result mean?
Not necessarily anything serious — many everyday and benign conditions can raise these markers. A raised result usually prompts further, more specific assessment rather than being a diagnosis in itself.
Does a normal result mean I don't have cancer?
No. These markers can be normal even when cancer is present, so a normal result does not exclude it. If you have symptoms, they still need to be assessed.
I have symptoms — what should I do?
Please see a doctor promptly regardless of whether you have this test. Persistent or concerning symptoms need proper clinical assessment, and red-flag symptoms need urgent attention.
How long do results take?
Results are typically ready within 48 hours of your sample reaching the laboratory, after which a GP reviews and explains them.
How is the sample taken?
A simple blood sample is taken at one of our clinical sites in a short, comfortable appointment of around 15 minutes.
Related checks & services
Private GP appointmentThe best place to start — discuss whether this test is right for you.
Well WomanA comprehensive general health check across all the major systems.
Well ManA comprehensive general health check across all the major systems.
Pancreatic HealthA focused look at the pancreatic digestive enzymes.
Ready to understand your health?
Book your Tumour Associated Markers test online, or call us — NI 028 40 648 486 · ROI +353 1906 1950.
Book your Tumour Associated Markers test online, or call us — NI 028 40 648 486 · ROI +353 1906 1950.