CA 19-9 Blood Test (Pancreatic Cancer)

Explanation

The CA 19-9 blood test measures a tumour-marker protein that can help monitor some cancers, especially pancreatic cancer, when used with other information.

What is CA 19-9?

CA 19-9 is a protein that can be measured in blood. Some cancers, including pancreatic cancer, may raise it, but non-cancer conditions can also cause a high result.

What is the test used for?

The test is mainly used with other information to monitor certain cancers. Changes over time may help assess response to treatment, whether cancer has returned, or the likely course of disease.

Can CA 19-9 diagnose pancreatic cancer?

No. CA 19-9 is not used by itself to screen for or diagnose cancer. A high value has several possible causes, and some people do not make CA 19-9 even when they have a cancer that commonly raises it.

Why are repeated results compared carefully?

A trend across repeated tests can be more useful than one isolated value. Laboratory methods can affect results, so monitoring is usually compared using the same method and laboratory when possible.

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