Cancer Profile Test - Cancer Detection Profile, Male

What Is a Cancer Profile Test?

A cancer profile test is a comprehensive blood test panel that measures specific substances called tumour markers in your body. These markers are proteins and other substances that may be produced by cancer cells or by normal cells in response to cancer.

The test uses blood samples collected from a vein in your arm; both serum and whole blood samples are required for different parameters. It helps doctors screen for multiple types of cancer in men, particularly prostate, testicular, and gastrointestinal cancers, whilst supporting the monitoring of treatment progress in cancer patients.

What Does the Cancer Profile Test Measure?

This comprehensive test measures several important markers that can provide valuable insights about your health:

• Tumour markers: Specific proteins that may be elevated in different types of cancer.
• Prostate-specific markers: PSA levels to assess prostate health
• Liver and digestive markers: AFP and CEA for liver, gastrointestinal, and pancreatic cancers
• Reproductive markers: HCG beta subunit for testicular and other reproductive cancers
• Thyroid markers: Calcitonin and thyroglobulin for detecting and monitoring thyroid cancers and related conditions.
• Blood cell counts: Complete blood picture to check for abnormalities.
• General cancer markers: CA 15.3 and CA 19.9 for various cancer types

Cancer Profile Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done

What Symptoms May Call for a Cancer Profile Test?

Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience certain warning signs that could indicate cancer:

• Unexplained weight loss over a short period
• Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
• Unusual lumps or swelling in any part of your body.
• Changes in bowel or urination habits
• Persistent cough or hoarseness without a clear cause.
• Difficulty swallowing or persistent indigestion
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising
• Ongoing pain without an obvious reason.

Who Should Get a Cancer Profile Test?

This test is recommended for specific groups of individuals:

• Men showing symptoms that might suggest cancer.
• Individuals with a strong family history of cancer.
• Men over 50 years of age are advised to undergo regular cancer screening, as risk increases with age.
• Patients who are currently undergoing cancer treatment are monitored for progress.
• Cancer survivors need regular follow-up testing.
• Men with previous abnormal test results require further investigation.

Why Is a Cancer Profile Test Done?

A cancer profile test is performed to provide doctors with comprehensive information about potential cancer markers in your blood. It helps them make informed decisions about further testing, treatment planning, or ongoing monitoring of your health.

Importance of a Cancer Profile Test

The cancer profile test serves as a valuable tool in modern healthcare, offering early detection capabilities for multiple types of cancer. This comprehensive screening helps doctors identify potential health concerns before symptoms become severe, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

The test is particularly important for monitoring treatment effectiveness in cancer patients and detecting recurrence in cancer survivors. By measuring multiple markers simultaneously, it provides a broader picture of your health status, enabling personalised care and timely medical intervention when needed.

Cancer Profile Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book a Cancer Profile Test?

1. Simple Online Booking
   Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select 'Cancer Profile Test', choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists ensure the timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is processed at our NABL- & CAP-accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is Home Sample Collection for the Cancer Profile Test Available Near You?

Yes, home sample collection for the cancer profile test is widely available across India through Metropolis Healthcare. Our trained phlebotomists visit your home at your preferred time, ensuring safe and hygienic blood collection. This doorstep service eliminates the need to travel to a lab, making cancer screening more convenient and accessible. We maintain strict safety protocols during collection and ensure your samples reach our NABL- and CAP-accredited laboratories promptly for accurate testing and reliable results.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Cancer Profile Test Report?

Reports are usually available within 8 hours after the sample reaches the lab.

Where Can I See or Get Cancer Profile Test Results?

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.

Interpreting Cancer Profile Test Results

What Your Cancer Profile Test Results May Indicate

The following table guides understanding of your cancer profile test results:

Conditions that May Affect Cancer Profile Test Accuracy

Several factors can influence your cancer profile test results and should be discussed with your doctor:

• Medications: Biotin supplements, proton pump inhibitors, beta-blockers, and corticosteroids can affect certain markers.
• Recent medical procedures: Prostate examinations, thyroid biopsies, or radioactive iodine treatment can temporarily elevate markers.
• Smoking: Can increase CEA levels and affect other tumour markers.
• Liver disease: Cirrhosis and hepatitis can elevate multiple cancer markers.
• Inflammatory conditions: Autoimmune diseases, infections, and chronic inflammation may cause false elevations.
• Kidney disease: Can affect the clearance of certain markers, leading to elevated levels.
• Dehydration: Can concentrate blood substances, potentially altering readings.

How Is a Cancer Profile Test Done?

The cancer profile test is performed through a simple blood collection procedure:

• Your healthcare provider will clean the area on your arm where the needle will be inserted.
• An elastic band is tied around your upper arm to make the vein more visible.
• A small needle is inserted into the vein to collect blood samples.
• Multiple vials may be filled to test different markers.
• The needle is removed, and a bandage is applied to the puncture site.
• The entire process typically takes less than 10 minutes.
• Your blood samples are then sent to the laboratory for analysis.

How Should You Prepare for a Cancer Profile Test?

Proper preparation helps ensure accurate test results:

• Fasting requirements: Fasting is generally not required for these tests, but follow your doctor's instructions, as individual cases may vary.
• Medication review: Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you're taking.
• Avoid biotin supplements: Stop high-dose biotin (more than 5 mg/day) at least 8 hours before the test, as it can interfere with immunoassay-based tumour marker tests.
• Stay hydrated: Drink adequate water to stay hydrated, unless specifically instructed otherwise.
• Avoid smoking: Refrain from smoking before the test, as it can affect certain marker levels.
• Avoid strenuous exercise: Refrain from intense physical activity for 24 hours before the test.
• Follow medical advice: Don't stop prescribed medications unless specifically instructed by your doctor.

Diseases that a Cancer Profile Test Can Help Detect

This comprehensive test can help identify various types of cancer and related conditions:

• Prostate cancer
• Liver cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer

Cancer Profile Tests/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare

The following table shows related cancer screening packages available at Metropolis Healthcare: