CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)
CEA is present in small amounts in healthy adults and can rise with several cancers, most importantly bowel cancer. Its value lies in the trend rather than a single number: measured before and after treatment, a falling level suggests the treatment is working and a rising level can be the first sign of recurrence. Because benign conditions and smoking also raise it, CEA cannot confirm or exclude cancer on its own.
Why Test Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)?
The test is used in people with a confirmed cancer to follow treatment response, and in follow-up after surgery to detect recurrence early. It is sometimes used as part of an assessment of unexplained bowel symptoms or weight loss, alongside other investigations. It is not recommended as a general check in people without symptoms.
What Do High Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Levels Mean?
A raised CEA can occur with bowel cancer and with cancers of the pancreas, lung, breast and stomach. It is also raised by smoking, liver cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis and chronic lung disease. In follow-up after cancer treatment, a value that rises across repeated tests is more meaningful than any single result, and prompts imaging.
What Do Low Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Levels Mean?
A normal CEA makes significant activity from a CEA-producing tumour less likely, and in someone under treatment suggests it is working. Some cancers do not produce CEA, particularly at an early stage, so a normal value does not exclude cancer. Bowel cancer screening in Sweden uses a stool test, not CEA.
Symptoms to Watch For
- A change in bowel habit lasting more than a few weeks
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
- A feeling that the bowel does not empty fully
Who Should Get Tested?
- People with a confirmed cancer following their treatment response
- People in follow-up after treatment for bowel cancer
- People being investigated for bowel symptoms, as part of a wider assessment by a doctor
- Not recommended as a cancer check without symptoms: smoking and benign conditions raise it, and a normal value does not exclude cancer
How to Prepare for Your Test
No special preparation is needed. Mention if you smoke, as smoking raises the value. If you are following the value over time, use the same laboratory, since methods differ. Bring valid ID to your appointment.
Order Your Blood Test
Test your Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) levels with an accredited Swedish laboratory. Results within days, reviewed by Wellth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does smoking affect CEA?
Is CEA used to diagnose bowel cancer?
What does a rising CEA mean?
Reviewed by
Wellth Team
Wellth
Our content is written and reviewed by Wellth, and fact-checked against peer-reviewed research and current Swedish clinical guidelines.
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The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Wellth provides health information and testing services but is not a substitute for clinical care. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider if you have questions about a medical condition. If you are experiencing severe or urgent symptoms, contact your doctor or call 1177 Vårdguiden. Blood test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional in the context of your complete medical history.