An elevated tumor marker can be a benign problem such as an infection, smoking, etc., or it can be a malignant tumor. There are many ways to help distinguish whether this elevation is caused by malignant tumors, but not everyone needs further testing immediately. 1. Who needs further examination? Who are the “high-risk group” with a higher possibility of developing tumor? The following three aspects can help us to determine whether a close relative has a tumor: a mother or other female relative in the family with a history of breast cancer is a “high-risk group” for breast cancer. Exposure to foreign substances that can easily cause cancer: The possibility of cancer is significantly higher if you have smoked or been exposed to “second-hand smoke”, alcohol abuse, consumption of preserved and smoked foods, or have been exposed to radiation or chemical toxins due to work. Whether there are self factors with high incidence of cancer: including older age, suffering from hepatitis B, chronic atrophic gastritis, etc. For people who are at high risk of developing tumor, when there is an elevated tumor marker, the risk of having tumor in the body is relatively high and should be further examined. We can choose corresponding examinations according to the relevant parts of the tumor markers, including chest CT, abdominal CT, breast ultrasound, prostate ultrasound, endoscopy, etc., and consult with oncology specialists as soon as possible. 2. Beware of the “early warning signs” of the body It is also important to remind you that even if the tumor markers are completely normal, tumors cannot be absolutely excluded. In addition to the above mentioned methods of determining the “high-risk group” of tumor, we also need to combine our own symptoms, which are called “alarm symptoms”. For example, long-term coughing and phlegm may only be a manifestation of chronic bronchitis; however, if blood appears in the phlegm recently, or if it is accompanied by chest pain and weight loss, we should be alert to the possibility of lung cancer. When “alarm symptoms” appear, the possibility of tumor in the body increases, so you should go to the oncology specialist for further examination in time. 3.What should I do if I don’t belong to the high-risk group? If you do not belong to the “high-risk group” and do not have any physical discomfort, and the tumor markers are only mildly elevated, the possibility of having tumor in your body is relatively low. We can choose to improve our lifestyle, such as quit smoking, quit drinking, pay attention to diet and regular work and rest, and then recheck the tumor markers and improve the above mentioned tests if necessary.