Understanding the Male Tumour Markers blood test

The Male Tumour Markers blood test is a specialised screening profile designed to assess biomarkers associated with several male-specific and general cancers. Tumour markers are substances produced either by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancerous activity.

This profile is not a diagnostic test on its own, but it plays a valuable role in early risk detection, monitoring known conditions, and guiding further investigation. It is particularly useful when combined with clinical history, imaging, and follow-up testing.

This profile includes the following tumour markers:

• Total Prostate Specific Antigen (Total PSA)
• Free Prostate Specific Antigen (Free PSA)
• Total:Free PSA Ratio
• Cancer Antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9)
• Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
• Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)

Together, these markers provide insight into prostate health, gastrointestinal malignancies, liver tumours, and other systemic cancers.

When a Male Tumour Markers blood test is recommended

This test is recommended for men who want a proactive approach to cancer risk assessment or who require monitoring due to symptoms, family history, or previous findings.

Testing may be appropriate if you:

• Are over 40 and want preventive health screening
• Have urinary symptoms or prostate concerns
• Have a family history of prostate, bowel, or liver cancer
• Are monitoring known benign or malignant conditions
• Have unexplained weight loss or fatigue
• Have abnormal imaging or previous blood results
• Are undergoing cancer surveillance or follow-up
• Want reassurance as part of a wider health assessment

Benefits of the Male Tumour Markers test

• Targets male-specific cancer risk
  Includes detailed prostate marker analysis.
• Supports early detection strategies
  Identifies abnormal marker trends early.
• Monitors known conditions over time
  Useful for follow-up and surveillance.
• Includes ratio-based PSA interpretation
  Improves prostate cancer risk stratification.
• Screens multiple cancer pathways in one test
  Covers prostate, gastrointestinal, and liver markers.
• Simple blood test with no invasive procedures
  Requires only a blood sample.
• Useful alongside imaging and clinical exams
  Enhances overall diagnostic accuracy.
• Provides clinically actionable information
  Guides referral and further investigation.

How the test is carried out

We offer two convenient UK-wide testing options:

Clinic-based blood testing

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• A healthcare professional collects a blood sample
• The sample is analysed in a certified laboratory
• Results are issued once testing is complete

Home or hotel blood collection (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home, workplace, or hotel
• Blood is collected at a time convenient for you
• No clinic visit required
• Available nationwide across the UK

Both options provide the same laboratory accuracy and clinical reliability.

Understanding your Male Tumour Markers test results

Prostate markers (Total PSA, Free PSA, Total:Free PSA Ratio)

• Total PSA reflects overall prostate activity
• Free PSA improves interpretation of borderline results
• Total:Free PSA Ratio helps distinguish benign prostate enlargement from higher cancer risk

Lower ratios may suggest increased risk and warrant further evaluation.

CA 19-9

CA 19-9 is associated mainly with pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers, but can also rise in benign conditions such as gallbladder disease.

Elevated levels require clinical correlation and imaging.

CEA

CEA is a non-specific tumour marker often used in colorectal cancer monitoring but may also rise in smokers or inflammatory conditions.

Trend analysis is more important than a single value.

AFP

AFP is associated with liver cancer and certain germ cell tumours.

Persistently elevated levels may require liver imaging or specialist referral.