The Cancer Antigen 27.29 blood test is the only test U.S.D.A. approved for breast cancer. The cancerous cells shed CA 27.29 into the blood stream. This test gauges the levels of CA 27.29 antigen in the blood of patients with breast cancer.

The test serves the following purposes:

• It assists in the diagnosis of breast cancer
• Is used to monitor the body̢‰s response to cancer treatment
• Also informs physicians of the possible recurrence of the cancer

If the treatments are successful, the levels of Cancer Antigen 27.29 will decrease. If the cancer progresses the levels of the protein will increase. Physicians order this blood test periodically throughout the treatment to see how the body is responding.

The CA 27.29 test can also detect cancers like ovarian and prostate cancer. It can also detect some non-life-threatening ailments. The test can also determine if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. This test is often ordered by doctors along with the CEA blood test at the Health Testing Centers.