Reducing my CA-125

[LouHE]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knows how I could help reduce my CA-125? Does stress / diet / weight / exercise have an effect?

Thank you in advance

[Lyndy]

Hello LouHECan I ask if you have been diagnosed with Ovarian cancer? If so have you already had treatment?

x

[LouHE in reply to Lyndy]

Hi Lyndy, Yes I was diagnosed in 2019 and finished treatment last year

[Lyndy in reply to LouHE]

Ah ok… thanks for that and sorry that you have been through it. Tbh I don’t think there’s any way of keeping it down when disease returns but mine sometimes goes up for other reasons. It’s an inflammatory marker, so anything that causes inflammation including stress can send it up. Don’t forget though, they generally look for a rising trajectory over weeks or months, not a blip xx

[Tillymint61]

Stress definitely affects mine. Stress hormones cause inflammatory reactions which can have a bearing on 125 readings. I actively try stress busting activities. For mean this is usually mindfulness. Self help books. This group.etc The professionals use your 125 in conjunction with other diagnostic tools which says it all really. Xx

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Hi LouHE

Thanks for your post. I can see you’ve had some responses from the forum community but just wanted to share some information which I hope will be helpful.

Unlike other health markers such raised blood pressure or high cholesterol, there isn’t any evidence to suggest that certain lifestyle changes can lower CA125. If CA125 levels are raised because of the presence of ovarian cancer, these levels often reduce when the cancer is treated (for example, after a course of chemotherapy, after recovery from surgery, or maintenance treatment).

The Foundation for Women’s Cancer are a non-for-profit organisation based in the U.S, who support research, education, and public awareness of gynaecological cancers. They published this booklet in 2017 which explains more about CA125 and how it is used in clinical settings: foundationforwomenscancer.o...

As Lyndy said above, this booklet outlines that many different things can cause CA125 to increase or fluctuate, as well as how variable this marker is from person to person. Please be aware that this is a U.S publication so the resources included may not be relevant for healthcare systems outside the U.S.

Have you been able to discuss this question with your oncologist or clinical nurse specialist? I hope that a member of your clinical team will be able to provide personalised guidance considering your own individual circumstances and medical history.

Please don’t hesitate to call our support line on 0800 008 7054 or 07503 682 311 if you would like to talk through this. We’re here Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm.

Best wishes

Annie

Ovacome support