CRC in the context of blood tests often refers to Colorectal Cancer testing. The blood tests are not directly testing for CRC, but are used in screening, diagnosis, monitoring, and management of the disease.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Screening: Some blood tests, like fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), can detect hidden blood in the stool. While not directly a blood test, the presence of blood warrants further investigation to rule out colorectal cancer.
- Diagnosis: Blood tests aren't used to directly diagnose colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy with biopsy is required for diagnosis. However, blood tests such as a Complete Blood Count (CBC) or Liver Function Tests (LFTs) may give the doctor supporting information.
- Monitoring: After a colorectal cancer diagnosis, blood tests for tumor markers like Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and detect recurrence. A rising CEA level may indicate that the cancer is growing or has returned.
In summary, while blood tests are not used to directly diagnose colorectal cancer, they play a vital role in screening, monitoring, and managing the disease.
