How are CBCs and other blood tests used prior to treatment?
A complete blood count (CBC) measures the numbers and health of your white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. It’s an important marker of your health, and it’s frequently done before cancer treatments are started.
Doctors may also order additional blood tests to help stage your cancer and learn more about your genetics. For example:
Blood chemistry tests: These tests look at the levels of certain chemicals in your blood. They’re a good measure of how your organs are functioning and may be used to help stage your cancer.
Tumor marker tests: These tests look for the presence of cancer antigens in the blood. A cancer antigen is a protein found in cancer cells. However, cancer isn’t the only thing that can cause these antigens, and not everyone with breast cancer will have cancer antigens. In breast cancer, cancer antigens include cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).
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How are CBCs used in the treatment of breast cancer?
Symptoms of cancer, and treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy, can affect the levels of blood cells in your body. Checking before treatment begins gives doctors an idea of your baseline. They check again during your treatments to monitor your blood count levels.
If chemotherapy or radiation is causing your level of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets to drop, you can receive medications alongside your treatments to help prevent side effects of low blood counts, such as anemia.
After treatment ends, a CBC can help doctors get a look at your overall health and make sure you’re not experiencing any negative reactions to medications.
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