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My mother-in-law had ovarian cancer 20 years ago and her sister died of it 30 years ago. My sister-in-law and her cousin were tested with a c125 test or something, maybe DNA? and tested positive for possibly getting ovarian cancer so they had hysterectomies. I am not related, but very fearful of cancer. Can I get the C125 test or another one to give me an indication as to whether I have to be scared at this time?
M.
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155056 tn?1333638688
They most likely received BRCA gene testing.  This test will show an increased risk for Ovarian, Breast and Colon cancer, if someone carries the gene.  The increase risk if testing positive for BRCA I and II is about 40 percent, higher than that for Breast Cancer.  There would have to be a history of cancer (breast, ovarian and colon) in your family before a doctor would consider testing you.
A CA125 is a tool best used when someone has already been diagnosed with OvCa, it is not a diagnositic tool, and there is no method of early detection....there is no mamogram for the ovaries.  I always say to people, tell the gyn it hurts when you ovulate or where  your ovaries are so that they will at least do a sonogram to see and make sure that there are no cysts of any types.....most cysts,  over 90 percent are benign, but, the doctors can watch these cysts for changes if they know that they are there.  
Thanks for taking the time in trying to better understand the disease.
Best of luck to you.
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187666 tn?1331173345
I understand seeing so many people near you battling cancer but you have no genetic connection with these women. That's a plus. The CA125 test is not all that accurate in pre-menopausal women (you don't give any info about yourself so I'm guessing here). There are specific, although subtle, symptoms related to ovarian cancer. They are listed on the health pages down to the right but I'm not sure if it's a good idea for you to read them at this point. The best advice I can give is to talk it over with your doctor. S/he can listen to your concerns and advise you from there.
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