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Tumor-markers are proteins which are produced by the tumor cells and released to the blood. The elevation of certain tumor markers can be indicative of malignant disease. Tumor markers are not useful to make a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Howecer, they represent a useful tool for the monitoring of disease regression or progression during treatment. For this reason, tumour markers need to be measured prior to the initiation of therapy. Only if baseline levels are elevated is it worthwhile taking further measurements. Immediately after surgery, tumor markers may be elevated due to tissue damage. During after care, tumor marker measurements are done on a regular basis to identify any tumor recurrence as early as possible.

The most important tumor marker for colon cancer is CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen). CA 19-9 is another tumor marker (cancer antigen 19-9) that is often be used in colorectal cancer.  

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