Concerned about gynecological health, ovarian cancer risk, or need monitoring of known reproductive system conditions?
The CA-125 Blood Test measures a protein that can rise in the blood with ovarian cancer and certain non-cancer conditions. This test may help monitor ovarian health, especially if you have symptoms, known risk factors, or are being followed up after treatment. It is usually used alongside other checks rather than as a stand-alone cancer test.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
The CA-125 test acts like a health detective for your reproductive system, measuring levels of a specific protein that your body produces in response to various conditions affecting your ovaries and other reproductive organs. Think of CA-125 as your body's alarm system – when something's happening in your reproductive area, whether it's a serious condition like ovarian cancer or more common issues like endometriosis or uterine fibroids, this protein often increases as your body responds to the situation.
What makes this test particularly valuable is its ability to help doctors monitor how well treatments are working and watch for changes over time, especially for women with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, those with genetic risk factors, or anyone experiencing persistent symptoms like unusual bloating or pelvic discomfort. While elevated CA-125 levels don't automatically mean cancer – they can rise due to many benign conditions or even normal events like menstruation – this test provides crucial information that helps your healthcare team piece together your overall health picture and make informed decisions about your care.
Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer
You may benefit from the Ovarian Cancer Screening Blood Test (CA-125)
Essential for individuals with gynecological symptoms, family history of ovarian/breast cancer, known reproductive conditions, or anyone needing tumor marker assessment and monitoring.
Irregular periods (cycles shorter than 21 or longer than 35 days)
Very heavy menstrual bleeding
Lower abdominal pain or cramping
Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
Age-appropriate cancer screening
How to prepare
No special preparation required. Inform healthcare provider if you are menstruating, pregnant, or have recent gynecological procedures, as these can affect CA-125 levels. Avoid testing during menstruation if possible for most accurate baseline results.
Understanding results
Results show CA-125 levels compared to normal ranges. Elevated levels may indicate ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or other gynecological conditions. Results must be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms, imaging, and other tests for accurate diagnosis.
After the test
Address elevated CA-125 through appropriate medical evaluation including pelvic examination, imaging studies, and possible gynecological consultation. Treatment depends on underlying cause and may include cancer therapy, endometriosis management, or other condition-specific interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Elevated CA-125 can indicate ovarian cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, or other conditions. Further evaluation is needed to determine the specific cause and appropriate treatment.
Yes, many benign conditions including endometriosis, menstruation, pregnancy, liver disease, and pelvic inflammatory disease can cause elevated CA-125 levels, which is why additional testing is usually needed.
CA-125 is not recommended for general ovarian cancer screening due to limited specificity, but it's valuable for monitoring known cancer, assessing high-risk individuals, and evaluating suspicious symptoms.
Monitoring frequency depends on the underlying condition - cancer patients may need testing every 2-3 months, while those with endometriosis might be tested annually or as symptoms change.
Yes, CA-125 levels can be elevated during menstruation, which is why testing is often recommended at other times in the menstrual cycle for more accurate baseline measurements.
Generally, levels above 35 U/mL are considered elevated, but interpretation depends on age, menopausal status, and clinical context. Postmenopausal women with levels above 35 U/mL warrant further evaluation.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
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