Symptoms such as breast lumps, changes in breast
size or shape, nipple discharge, or skin alterations often prompt healthcare
providers to utilize the CA 15-3 serum test. This medical test is primarily
employed for monitoring and assessing breast cancer. Elevated CA 15-3 levels in
the blood may indicate the presence of breast cancer, particularly in
individuals already diagnosed with the disease and undergoing treatment. While
it’s not typically used for breast cancer screening or early detection, the CA
15-3 test is instrumental in monitoring disease progression and evaluating the
effectiveness of treatment.