Women who have ovarian cancer or are suspected of having ovarian cancer will usually have their blood tested for CA-125. CA-125 ( cancer antigen 125) is a protein that is produced on the surface of cells and can be measured in teh blood. You may also hear CA-125 be called a tumor biomarker for ovarian cancer.
The protein is elevated in 80% of the women with advanced disease and 50% of those with early stage cancer ( Source : OCRF) . I wrote about how the test method in this blog post.
The best source I have found explaining the CA-125 test is
Understanding CA-125 Levels: A Guide for Ovarian Cancer Patients
produced by the Foundation for Women's Cancer.
Since my CA-125 was still in the normal range when I recurred my gyn-onc and I look at the trend up in results not necessary the actual number.
Dee
Every Day is a Blessing!
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