ObjectiveTo analyze the expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in various populations and the simultaneous expression of other markers using multiple tumor marker protein chip, and to discuss the possible clinical relevance. MethodsA total of 25 076 profiles of multiple tumor marker protein chip were collected in our hospital for analysis. The elevation of CEA in various populations and commonly-seen tumors was analyzed, and the combined elevation of CEA and other markers was also analyzed in tumors. ResultsElevation of CEA in patients with malignant tumors was significantly more than those in patients with benign lesions and normal controls (P<0.01), with the highest positive rate of CEA seen in the colorectal cancer (41.85%),followed by pancreatic cancer (37.97%) and lung carcinoma (37.16%). CEA was always accompanied by other markers in tumor patients, with the mostly seen elevated marker being CA125, followed by CA19-9 and CA242. The CEA/CA125 was often seen in pancreatic cancer (74.26%), ovarian cancer (69.57%), hepatocellular carcinoma (62.13%), and lung cancer(51.68%); CEA/CA19-9 was often seen in pancreatic cancer (77.23%) and hepatocellular carcinoma (72.34%); CEA/CA242 was often seen in pancreatic cancer(77.23%) and colorectal cancer(57.61%); CEA+CA19-9+CA242 was usually seen in pancreatic cancer(76.24%), ovarian cancer(52.17%), and colorectal cancer (51.32%); and CEA+CA19-9+CA242+CA125 was mostly seen in pancreatic cancer(61.39%). ConclusionCEA is widely expressed in malignant tumors, but it is not specific for malignant tumors. Single elevation of CEA has high value for diagnosis of colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung carcinoma. CEA combined with CA125, CA19-9 or CA242 can help to improve the positive rate for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer.