Decoding Cancer: Understanding Tumor Markers and Diagnostic Testing

Tuesday, 10 November · 8:00 – 9:00pm
Time zone: Africa/Nairobi
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/jgg-prsb-ahi
https://forms.gle/roEKZWby9YQz2tye8

Session Purpose
To equip medical laboratory professionals with comprehensive knowledge of malignancy disorders, cancer biomarkers, and laboratory testing approaches used in cancer screening, diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutic monitoring, and disease surveillance.
Key Objectives
1. Describe the epidemiology and major causes of cancer.
2. Explain the principles and clinical applications of tumor markers.
3. Classify tumor markers based on their biological characteristics and clinical utility.
4. Interpret the clinical significance and limitations of commonly used tumor marker assays.
5. Discuss laboratory investigations used in cancer screening, diagnosis, monitoring, and follow-up.
Opening Statement
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, affecting millions of individuals annually. Advances in laboratory medicine have transformed cancer management through early detection, risk assessment, therapeutic monitoring, and surveillance of disease recurrence. Medical laboratory professionals play a crucial role in ensuring accurate testing, quality assurance, and interpretation of tumor markers and other cancer-related investigations. Understanding the biological basis of malignancies and the diagnostic tools available is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and supporting evidence-based clinical decisions.