Breast Cancer Test - Price, Purpose, Resport, & Procedure

Table of Content

Introduction to Breast Cancer Test 

Breast cancer is one of the major causes of cancer-related deaths in women in India. In 2022, breast cancer accounted for 192,020 new cases, which was 13.6% of all new cancer cases and over 26% of new cancer cases in women. 

Breast Cancer starts in the cells of the breast and is most commonly in the cells of milk ducts or lobules. It occurs when these cells grow uncontrollably and form a lump called a tumor. 

These breast cancer tests measure the levels of specific proteins that can be elevated in individuals with breast cancer.

These tests detect the presence of cancer antigen protein found on the surface of breast cancer cells. These markers are important for monitoring breast cancer after diagnosis, tracking the effectiveness of treatment, and detecting recurrence. 

If you are seeing any abnormal changes in the breast, like nipple discharge, changes in shape, dimpling, or redness, then consult your doctor and take the breast cancer test. You can consider Redcliffe Labs to take the breast cancer test. You can book your appointment online or call our experts to book your test. The phlebotomist will come to your home and collect the blood sample. Our labs are equipped with fully automated machines with the latest technology and follow the standards and quality measures as per NABL & ISO guidelines to ensure 100% accurate reports. 

Test details in brief

What is the purpose of the Breast Cancer Test?

The purpose of breast cancer tests is to detect, diagnose, and monitor breast cancer. Here is the purpose of the breast cancer blood test-

• Early detection- The breast cancer test helps to identify the presence of cancerous cells in early stages, even before the symptoms show up. This elevates the chances of successful treatment and also reduces the need for aggressive therapies. 
• Diagnosis- The breast cancer test includes two parameters such as CA 15.3 and Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), that help to assess the cancer's nature and provide information about the type of breast cancer.
• Monitor treatment- The people who are already diagnosed with breast cancer must get these tests regularly to track how well their treatments are working. 

Parameters Included in Breast Cancer Test- Essential

There are two parameters covered in breast cancer blood tests- 

• CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker)- The CA 15.3 blood test measures the protein produced by breast cancer cells. It helps to monitor breast cancer treatment and recurrence. The test can help monitor how well breast cancer treatment is working or the chances of coming back or spreading. It can also help doctors understand where the cancer may have spread. 
• Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)- CEA is a protein found in the low levels of blood in healthy adults. A CEA test measures the amount of CEA in the blood to help determine if there's cancer, how well treatment is working, or if cancer has returned. 

Your doctor might recommend the test if they suspect cancer or to monitor treatment or recurrence for certain types of cancer. 

Types of Breast Cancer

The most common types are:

• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)- Starts in the milk ducts and spreads to surrounding tissue.
• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)- Begins in the lobules and can spread to nearby tissue.
• Ductal Carcinoma in situ (DCIS)—Like IDC, DCIS starts in milk ducts but does not spread beyond them.

Other types of breast cancer include

• Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)
• Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)-
• Paget’s disease of the breast

What causes breast cancer?

The reasons for breast cancer are not exactly known. However, there might be various factors that may lead to breast cancer, including-

• Family history- Gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the cause of breast cancer. Hereditary breast cancer has around 5–10% of all breast cancer cases. 
• Lifestyle- Smoking and other lifestyle factors can increase the risk of breast cancer. 
• Environment- Exposure to certain chemicals, like those in drinking water, grilled or barbecued meats, and air pollution, may increase the chances of breast cancer.
• Age- Older age at birth of first child or never having given birth can increase the risk of breast cancer. 

Other risk factors include- 

• Personal history of breast cancer
• A personal history of breast conditions
• Beginning your period at a younger age
• Beginning menopause at an older age
• Being female
• Drinking alcohol
• Obesity
• Menopausal hormone therapy
• Inherited DNA changes that increase cancer risk
• Increase age

What are the common signs and symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer can affect you in distinct ways. It may not show any visible symptoms for years and may develop silently. But, when it shows the symptoms, it may cause-

• Changes in size, shape, and contour of your breast.
• Lump or swelling in the breast and chest.
• Nipple discharge
• Marble-like hardened area under the skin
• Dimpling, redness, flaky skin, or a rash on the breast or nipple 
• Pain in the breast or armpit that doesn't go away. 

Preparation for the Breast Cancer Test

Usually, no special preparation is required before the breast cancer test. Here are the general guidelines you must follow before the breast cancer blood test-

• Fasting- No fasting is required; you can eat and drink as usual.
• Medications—If you are taking any medications, consult your doctor before taking the test. Some medicines might impact your test reports.
• Caffeine- You must avoid coffee, tea, and energy drinks, which can interfere with blood test results. 
• Hydration- Keep yourself hydrated before going for the test. 
• Nervousness- If you're feeling nervous, talk to the technician about options like lying down instead of sitting. 

The procedure of the Breast Cancer Blood Test

The breast cancer blood test is a simple diagnostic test. Here is the complete procedure of the breast cancer test- 

• The phlebotomist will draw the blood sample from the vein of your arm.
• First, he will clean the area with an antiseptic solution, insert a needle to draw the blood sample, and collect it in a vial or tube.
• After sample collection, he will remove the needle and then put a cotton gauze or bandage to stop bleeding.
• After sample collection, the blood is sent to a laboratory where the CA 15.3 or CEA markers are measured.
• These markers are proteins that may be produced by breast cancer cells and released into the bloodstream.

What do the Breast Cancer Test reports indicate?

The breast cancer reports will be available within 15 hours of sample collection. The test includes two parameters including, CA 15.3 and CEA. 

• CA 15.3 (Breast Cancer Marker)

The normal range for a CA 15-3 (cancer antigen 15-3) blood test is less than or equal to 30 U/mL. However, the upper limit of the range may vary depending on the laboratory and kit used for the test. 

For example, women without cancer may have levels as high as 100 U/mL. 

However, a positive CA 15-3 blood test doesn't necessarily mean you have breast cancer or that your breast cancer has come back. There might be other conditions that may cause high CA 15-3 in your blood. 

• Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)-

A normal CEA level is 0 to 2.5 ng/mL (0 to 2.5 µg/L), but slightly higher levels might be normal for smokers. Increased CEA levels can indicate cancer risk. 

The abnormal CEA levels may indicate the risk of breast cancer, reproductive and urinary tract cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid cancer.

However, based on your test reports, your doctor may recommend some additional tests or treatments. 

Treatment for Breast Cancer

The treatment of breast cancer may vary or depend on the type of cancer, its severity, and its spread. There are different treatment options available, including-

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Hormonal therapy
• Biological therapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy

What is the Breast Cancer Test price at Redcliffe Labs?

The Breast cancer test cost at Redcliffe Labs is INR 2200. If you are looking for a test, then simply download the Redcliffe Labs App and book your appointment online. We have more than 2000 Collection Centres and 80 labs in 220 cities. We have a team of experienced and professional Doctors, MD Pathologists, and technicians. We use six-sigma processes and 50+ internal and external quality control to ensure 100% accurate reports. We are trusted by more than 50,000 doctors across India. 

We ensure that you receive on-time test reports. Our test prices are highly competitive so that anyone can get tested without thinking twice. So what are you waiting for? Simply search the internet for "Breast cancer Test near me." You will find Redcliffe Labs. You can book your breast cancer test online or visit the lab. Don't delay—get tested today!

Breast Cancer Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer Breast Cancer Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Breast Cancer blood test

The breast cancer blood test diagnoses breast cancer and helps detect and monitor the disease. The test looks for specific markers or substances that might be present at higher levels in people with breast cancer.

However, if breast cancer is detected early, you have more treatment options available. These options often have higher success rates. Early detection means starting treatment sooner, leading to a better chance of recovery. Early treatment can help to prevent the cancer from spreading and causing significant symptoms, improving your overall quality of life. Even if you don't have any symptoms, regular screenings, including blood tests when recommended by your doctor, are crucial for early detection of breast cancer. It's always better to be safe than sorry.