should i have the ca 125 test?

[miaalma]

Hello, my mom died of ovarian cancer 3 years ago. She didnt know her parents so any research into their medical history cant be done. I am 46 and have fibroids. Should I take the test?

[miaalma]

HI thanks for your response. I will call the doctors first thing tomorrow.

[shewrites]

I can get the CA125 done at my doctor's, the hospital, or a lab.  Please call and ask the doctor's office for the name of the test and a copy of the report for future reference.  

A study was done recently in the UK.  They used 100,000 women as a reference group, and they had 50,000 take a CA125 and 50,000 have a transvaginal ultrasound.  I don't have the exact numbers, but over 75 percent of cancers were picked up by each one of these tests.  So they're not useless, even though they are not 100 percent reliable, either.  A TVUS or CT scan couldn't hurt, if you can persuade the doctor that you're at risk or have symptoms that should be checked out.  

[miaalma]

Hi thanks for your responses. I did have a blood test at the doctors to detect ovarian cancer. i dont know the name of it, I trust the ca 125 test is done at a hospital? Anyway the test proved negative but Ive been told it is not 100% reliable. Does anyone know what the test is called, the one i had done at my doctors? Many thanks Maria

[crecco]

Like the others, I don't think having your CA125 checked would be the way to go. Talk with your Dr and explain your concern. The CA test is not a real acurate test for ovarian cancer unless your are diagnosed and it is elevated. Then it can be used to keep track of the cancer and of recurrence.
  But most definately talk to your Dr.
     Chris

[ladyjogger31]

I would definatly address this to your Dr. Having a Ca 125 test done is like opening  Pandora's Box. Your ca 125 can go up for many other reasons not just ovarian cancer.
Good Luck!
Warm Hugs, Terry

[Searching48507]

Hi There,

The best way to know if you have OVCA is to have a transvaginal ultrasound completed.  I let my gyn know about the family history and because of the family history, my insurance covers this procedure which I have done yearly right along with my pap smear.  The CA-125 is just a marker that for some women is an indication of the OVCA, but an elevated CA-125 can be caused by inflammation, stress, etc.  For my mom, the CA-125 was always in the normal range.

Karen