Normal Cancer Markers Didn't Stop Stage 0 Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Taiwan Woman, Doctor Warns of 'Dangerous Blind Spot'

A 50-year-old woman in Taichung, Taiwan, received a shocking diagnosis of stage 0 breast cancer, despite her annual health check-ups showing normal cancer marker levels and no physical symptoms. The discovery was made only after she underwent a breast ultrasound, which revealed a malignant tumor.

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Cancer index (tumor markers) is mostly an auxiliary reference tool. It cannot be used alone as a basis for cancer screening, especially for early breast cancer, where a completely normal cancer index is very common.

Doctors at Chang-An Hospital stressed that normal cancer marker tests are not a definitive sign of health and can be misleading, particularly in the early stages of breast cancer. Dr. Lee Yu-chia explained that "normal cancer index does not mean no cancer." He noted that many Asian women have dense breasts, making ultrasounds a vital screening tool.

The patient, identified as Mrs. Chen, is a typical case where the tumor was undetectable by sight or touch. Her stage 0 cancer, or carcinoma in situ, meant the cancer cells were confined to the milk ducts and had not spread. She has since undergone breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy and is reportedly recovering well, with regular follow-ups planned.

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Normal cancer index does not mean no cancer. Don't let a single report become the key to delaying diagnosis.

Dr. Lee highlighted that early detection of stage 0 breast cancer offers an excellent prognosis, with a near 100% survival rate within five years. He urged women aged 40 to 74 to utilize the government-provided biennial mammography screenings and to seek immediate medical evaluation for any breast changes, such as lumps, nipple inversion, or skin dimpling, rather than relying solely on blood test results.

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Why did I get breast cancer even though my cancer index was normal?