What is the Cancer Antigen 72-4 Test?

Cancer Antigen 72-4 (CA 72-4) is a tumour-associated glycoprotein expressed on the surface of certain cancer cells. It is most commonly associated with gastric (stomach) cancer and mucinous ovarian cancer, where levels may rise as tumour activity increases.

The CA 72-4 test measures the concentration of this antigen in the blood. It is not used as a general cancer screening test but plays a valuable role in supporting diagnosis, assessing disease burden and monitoring response to treatment when cancer is already suspected or confirmed.

CA 72-4 is often interpreted alongside other tumour markers and imaging findings to provide a clearer picture of disease activity.

Why do I need a test for Cancer Antigen 72-4?

You may need this test if there is clinical suspicion of gastric or ovarian cancer, or if you are being monitored after a confirmed diagnosis. Tumour markers like CA 72-4 can help assess disease progression, response to treatment or possible recurrence.

This test is particularly useful in follow-up and monitoring rather than initial diagnosis alone. Rising levels over time may suggest increasing tumour activity, while falling levels often indicate a positive response to treatment.

Symptoms and scenarios where testing is recommended:

• Suspected gastric or ovarian malignancy
• Monitoring known gastric cancer
• Monitoring mucinous ovarian cancer
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent abdominal pain or bloating
• Early satiety or appetite changes
• Monitoring treatment response
• Assessing possible cancer recurrence
• Supporting imaging or biopsy findings

Benefits of the CA 72-4 Test

• Supports diagnosis of specific cancers
  Particularly useful in gastric and mucinous ovarian cancers.
• Monitors treatment response
  Falling levels may indicate effective therapy.
• Detects disease progression or recurrence
  Rising levels can signal increasing tumour activity.
• Complements other tumour markers
  Used alongside markers such as CEA or CA-125.
• Assists long-term cancer surveillance
  Helpful in structured follow-up plans.
• Provides objective disease activity tracking
  Allows comparison of results over time.
• Non-invasive monitoring tool
  Requires only a blood sample.
• Supports clinical decision-making
  Helps guide imaging and treatment adjustments.

Step-by-Step: How Testing Works

Choose your preferred testing method

You can attend one of our UK partner clinics or arrange a home or hotel visit with a mobile phlebotomist.

Option 1 – In-Clinic Blood Draw

1. Select your nearest UK clinic and book an appointment.
2. A clinician or phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample.
3. The sample is analysed for CA 72-4 levels.
4. Results are delivered securely online.

Option 2 – Home or Hotel Phlebotomy (+£60)

1. Book a UK-wide home or hotel visit at a convenient time.
2. A trained phlebotomist collects your blood sample on-site.
3. The sample is packaged and transported to the laboratory.
4. Results are uploaded digitally without the need to travel.

Access your report

You can download and share your results with your GP, oncologist or specialist.

Your Results Explained

Low Levels

Low CA 72-4 levels are considered normal.
This suggests no biochemical evidence of tumour activity related to CA 72-4 expression.

Typical UK reference range: often <6.9 U/mL (ranges may vary by laboratory).

Normal Levels

Normal results indicate expected antigen levels in the bloodstream.
This reduces the likelihood of active CA 72-4-producing tumour activity.

High Levels

Elevated CA 72-4 levels may be associated with gastric or ovarian cancer.
Higher or rising levels over time can indicate active disease or recurrence.
Results must always be interpreted alongside imaging, clinical findings and other tumour markers.