Preparing For Your First Cancer Marker Test

Your doctor has asked you to get a cancer marker test. You might be freaking out a little bit right now. It’s understandable because anything with the word cancer in it is sure to bring about plenty of anxiety. However, you don’t need to worry because this is only a test, much like those odd early morning weather alerts. Sure, there’s reason for concern, but in the end, the test is more about early detection and prevention than anything else.

What are cancer marker tests?

A cancer marker test checks to see if there are elevated levels of known substances in your blood that show the possible presence of cancer cells. A cancer cell produces specific markers that the tests look for. These markers can show signs that you have cancer in your body.

It’s important to note that a cancer marker test isn’t definitive. You can come up positive and have no cancer in your body. It sounds very odd, but sometimes it does happen, and there’s no reason to be alarmed. It’s easy to say that when you’re not the one receiving the false positive.

What you should do before the text

You should let your doctor know about any medication you’re taking. Your doctor should already know what medication you’re taking, but it’s probably a good idea to remind them anyway. Sometimes medications can cause these tests to go haywire and cause them to act a little strange.

It’s also good to ask the doctor if you need to fast before taking the test. Some tests may require fasting, and the only way to know for sure is to ask.

You’ll want to hydrate yourself pretty well in the time building up to the test. Drink plenty of fluids the day before and follow your doctor’s instructions about eating and drinking before taking the test.

Do your best to get plenty of sleep the night before. The human body does all kinds of odd things when you don’t get enough sleep. Six to eight hours of sleep before the test is advised so that you feel well rested and ready for it.

What you should expect during the test

A cancer marker test is no different than any other blood work. Someone will swab your arm and find a vein to draw blood from. If they can’t find a useable vein, they’ll try to find one in your hand. After that, they’ll draw a tube of blood, and that’s it.

If you’re someone who typically feels a little lightheaded when withdrawing blood, you might want to ask someone to go with you so they can take you home. The average person won’t experience any issues and will be able to go back to their normal daily routine shortly after having the blood drawn.

It’s not uncommon for some people to eat a little snack after having blood taken from them. A couple of crackers or a small piece of fruit should be enough to get you over the hump if you’re feeling lightheaded. Men tend to have a much more difficult time when it comes to having blood withdrawn from them, so guys, keep that in mind if you’re going to have this done.

How to cope with the anxiety of not knowing

It can take a couple of days to roughly a week to know your cancer test results. Those days can be filled with the kind of anxiety that can drive you nuts. The worst part is not knowing the results, and you’ll drive yourself plum crazy trying to figure out anything. Every ache and pain will feel like it’s cancer, and you’ll worry yourself sick.

You need to lean on friends and family during these times. There’s nothing wrong with being honest and telling them that you’re fearful of the outcome. If they were truthful with you, they’d probably be nervous about the whole ordeal as well.

Keep busy, exercise, and, most importantly, give your mind something else to think about. Don’t dwell on the possibility that you might have cancer. There is an equal chance that you don’t have cancer. Also, so what if you do have cancer? There are treatments and cures these days that will help you get back on track in no time. A cancer diagnosis isn’t the death sentence it was years ago.

Don’t put off getting tested

Cancer spreads, and putting off getting tested isn’t going to make the cancer go away. You’ll be much worse if you don’t get tested. Have someone go with you and rely on support from your network of friends and family if needed. Take care of yourself. The first step of the process is to get tested to know what you’re dealing with.