{"id":8648,"date":"2025-01-24T05:09:01","date_gmt":"2025-01-24T03:09:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/?p=8648"},"modified":"2026-04-20T18:54:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T15:54:42","slug":"blood-test-for-cancer-is-important-for-modern-diagnostics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/blood-test-for-cancer-is-important-for-modern-diagnostics\/","title":{"rendered":"Blood test for cancer: what you should know about modern diagnostics"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 data-start=\"69\" data-end=\"120\"><strong data-start=\"72\" data-end=\"118\">When alarming symptoms cannot be ignored<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"122\" data-end=\"449\">Feeling constantly tired, losing weight rapidly, having unexplained pain or bleeding can be signs of a variety of conditions, from simple fatigue to serious chronic illnesses. But when these symptoms are systemic, one of the first steps is to see a doctor and get tested, including: <strong data-start=\"416\" data-end=\"446\">blood test for oncology<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"451\" data-end=\"660\">While this test does not provide a definitive diagnosis, it can identify potential abnormalities that require further investigation. Blood tests are often the first clue that something unusual is happening in the body.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"662\" data-end=\"715\"><strong data-start=\"665\" data-end=\"713\">What is the essence of a blood test for suspected cancer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"717\" data-end=\"951\">A blood test for cancer is not a single test \u2014 it is a complex of laboratory tests that assess the general condition of the body, organ function, and the presence of specific proteins (tumor markers) secreted by tumor cells.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"953\" data-end=\"1012\">At the stage of primary diagnosis, the most informative are:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1013\" data-end=\"1117\">\n<li data-start=\"1013\" data-end=\"1055\"><strong data-start=\"1015\" data-end=\"1053\">Complete blood count<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1056\" data-end=\"1088\"><strong data-start=\"1058\" data-end=\"1086\">Biochemical blood test<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1089\" data-end=\"1117\"><strong data-start=\"1091\" data-end=\"1115\">Cancer marker tests<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1119\" data-end=\"1277\">These studies may give the doctor reason to suspect the presence of a tumor process and reasonably prescribe additional diagnostics (ultrasound, CT, MRI, biopsy).<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1119\" data-end=\"1277\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8650\" src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/themes\/woodmart\/images\/lazy.svg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/doctor-taking-blood.jpg\" alt=\"Table of tumor markers in the medical record\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/doctor-taking-blood.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/doctor-taking-blood-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/doctor-taking-blood-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/doctor-taking-blood-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/doctor-taking-blood-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/doctor-taking-blood-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1279\" data-end=\"1339\"><strong data-start=\"1282\" data-end=\"1337\">What exactly can a blood test &quot;tell&quot; about oncology?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1341\" data-end=\"1387\">Each type of analysis provides its own information.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1389\" data-end=\"1436\"><strong data-start=\"1389\" data-end=\"1415\"><a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/analysis\/hematological-panel\/zagalnyj-rozgornutyj-analiz-krovi-avtomatychnyj-analyzer-wbc-lym-mid-grn-lym-mid-grn-rbc-hb-hct-mcv-mch-mchc-rdw-plt-pct-mpv-pdw-3-histogramy-wbc-rbc-plt-shoe-ruchnyj-pidrahunok-lejkotsytarnoyi-fo\/\"   title=\"Complete blood count + Complete blood count (manual count): WBC, Lym, Mid, Grn, Lym %, Mid %, Grn %, RBC, Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, Plt, Pct, MPV, PDW, 3 histograms (WBC, RBC, PLT). ESR + manual count of complete blood count)\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"340\">Complete blood count<\/a><\/strong> may indicate:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1437\" data-end=\"1617\">\n<li data-start=\"1437\" data-end=\"1497\"><strong data-start=\"1439\" data-end=\"1462\">Coagulation disorders<\/strong>, decreased platelet count<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1498\" data-end=\"1542\"><strong data-start=\"1500\" data-end=\"1510\">Anemia<\/strong>, that accompanies some tumors<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1543\" data-end=\"1617\"><strong data-start=\"1545\" data-end=\"1578\">Changes in leukocyte formula<\/strong> in oncohematological diseases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1619\" data-end=\"1662\"><strong data-start=\"1619\" data-end=\"1641\">Biochemical analysis<\/strong> helps to detect:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1896\">\n<li data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1740\"><strong data-start=\"1665\" data-end=\"1701\">Liver and kidney dysfunction<\/strong>, which may be a consequence of metastases<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1741\" data-end=\"1813\"><strong data-start=\"1743\" data-end=\"1775\">Decreased protein or albumin<\/strong>, that accompanies progressive tumors<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1814\" data-end=\"1896\"><strong data-start=\"1816\" data-end=\"1839\">Enzyme growth<\/strong>, such as LF (alkaline phosphatase) in bone or liver cancer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1898\" data-end=\"2027\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/what-are-oncomarkers-and-when-should-they-be-tested\/\"><strong data-start=\"1898\" data-end=\"1913\">Tumor markers<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 specific proteins or antigens that are produced in large quantities by a tumor or in response to its presence.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2029\" data-end=\"2044\">Here are examples:<\/p>\n<div class=\"overflow-x-auto contain-inline-size\">\n<table data-start=\"2046\" data-end=\"2573\">\n<thead data-start=\"2046\" data-end=\"2119\">\n<tr data-start=\"2046\" data-end=\"2119\">\n<th data-start=\"2046\" data-end=\"2063\"><strong data-start=\"2048\" data-end=\"2062\">Tumor marker<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2063\" data-end=\"2094\"><strong data-start=\"2065\" data-end=\"2085\">Possible lesions<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2094\" data-end=\"2119\"><strong data-start=\"2096\" data-end=\"2117\">Normal level<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"2196\" data-end=\"2573\">\n<tr data-start=\"2196\" data-end=\"2270\">\n<td>PSA<\/td>\n<td>Prostate gland<\/td>\n<td>&lt; 4 ng\/ml<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2271\" data-end=\"2346\">\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/analysis\/diagnosis-of-tumor-markers\/ovarian-cancer-marker-sa-125\/\">CA 125<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Ovaries<\/td>\n<td>&lt; 35 U\/ml<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2347\" data-end=\"2421\">\n<td>CEA<\/td>\n<td>Intestine, lungs, chest<\/td>\n<td>&lt; 5 ng\/ml<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2422\" data-end=\"2497\">\n<td>AFP<\/td>\n<td>Liver, testicles, ovaries<\/td>\n<td>&lt; 10 ng\/ml<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2498\" data-end=\"2573\">\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/analysis\/diagnosis-of-tumor-markers\/oncomarker-pidshlunkovoyi-zalozy-sa19-9\/\">CA 19-9<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Pancreas, stomach<\/td>\n<td>&lt; 37 U\/ml<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2 data-start=\"2575\" data-end=\"2617\"><strong data-start=\"2578\" data-end=\"2615\">It is important to understand the limits of diagnosis<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2619\" data-end=\"2740\">Even if some indicators are outside the normal range, this does not mean that the patient definitely has cancer. The reasons for the changes may be:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2741\" data-end=\"2840\">\n<li data-start=\"2741\" data-end=\"2761\">Inflammatory processes<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2762\" data-end=\"2791\">Benign neoplasms<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2792\" data-end=\"2812\">Autoimmune conditions<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2813\" data-end=\"2840\">Infectious diseases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2842\" data-end=\"3010\">That&#039;s why no doctor will diagnose cancer based on a blood test alone. But if there are a combination of changes in the indicators, this is a serious reason for further research.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3012\" data-end=\"3074\"><strong data-start=\"3015\" data-end=\"3072\">When does a doctor recommend a blood test for oncology?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3076\" data-end=\"3130\">Typical reasons for referral for research include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3131\" data-end=\"3449\">\n<li data-start=\"3131\" data-end=\"3179\">Prolonged low-grade fever without a reason<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3180\" data-end=\"3220\">Weight loss without lifestyle changes<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3221\" data-end=\"3259\">Chronic fatigue, drowsiness, apathy<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3260\" data-end=\"3292\">Pain of an unexplained nature<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3293\" data-end=\"3344\">The appearance of lumps in the mammary glands, neck, abdomen<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3345\" data-end=\"3380\">Anemia without an established cause<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3381\" data-end=\"3449\">Suspicion of recurrence after previous cancer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"3451\" data-end=\"3487\"><strong data-start=\"3454\" data-end=\"3485\">How to prepare for the analysis<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3489\" data-end=\"3535\">For the results to be reliable, it is necessary:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3536\" data-end=\"3756\">\n<li data-start=\"3536\" data-end=\"3577\">Do not eat for 8\u201310 hours before the test.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3578\" data-end=\"3663\">Refrain from alcohol, fatty foods, and intense physical activity for 1\u20132 days.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3664\" data-end=\"3722\">Do not take vitamins or medications without consulting your doctor.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3723\" data-end=\"3756\">Take the test in the morning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A blood test is an effective first step in identifying potential danger. By consulting a doctor in a timely manner and undergoing an examination, cancer can be detected before serious symptoms appear. This significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and maintaining quality of life.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When alarming symptoms cannot be ignored Feeling of constant fatigue, rapid weight loss, unexplained pain or bleeding can be signs of various<\/p>","protected":false},"author":627,"featured_media":8649,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8648","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8648","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/627"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8648"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8648\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8649"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8648"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8648"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8648"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}