CA125 Question

[Lily-Anne]

I haven't been able to find the answer to this, so maybe someone here knows the answer. Is a CA125 level in everyone's blood, or just those with OC? My Oncologist said 12 shows no abnormalities, but would I have a CA125 if I hadn't had this cancer?

[Hidden]

I think there are low levels in everyone's blood. One young male Dr I saw at a check-up after about a year said my reading of 5, was 'probably lower than mine'.

Isadora.

[Hidden]

As I understand it, its a protein in everyones blood and 35 is considered to be a normal level. In the majority of OC situations then the level is elevated although there can be a number of reasons why it is. Likewise levels below 35 does not mean you are clear of OC but it tends to be dismissed until proven by symptoms and a scan. Hope that helps. Love Paul x

[Hidden]

A normal CA125 reading is 0-35 or so I believe. Mine has always been between 9 and 15 and now it's not measured because it's useless as a marker for me. I have Stage 4 and the danger with the CA125 as a base measure is that people with a normal reading during investigations can be discounted as cancer patients and sent away as IBS sufferers with medication. CA125 can be raised for other conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids so nobody can say a person has cancer from the initial reading but once someone has been diagnosed, then the CA125 can be used as a kind of barometer together if used with other tests and examinations that are routinely carried out. That's what I know about CA125.x

[Lizneild]

I asked my onc about this and she said, "Mine would probably be about 3."

[sharonforce]

My mother and daughter (neither have or have had cancer) had their CA125 checked and they were 12 and 9 respectively which is considered in the normal range. So yes everyone produces this marker.

Sharon

[someoneingourock]

The oncologist told me CA125 of 42 was normal. however mine was 989 and he'd never seen one at that level, stage 3, but I'v survived it all. Please take strength from this

[citrine]

My oncologist said that everyone has a CA125 reading, men included and that up to 35 was normal.

Mary xx

[Lily-Anne]

Thanks all, that answers my question. Mine was 34 when I had cancer, so although it's 12 now, I guess it isn't a marker for me, so may ask GP again about HE4.

Thanks

LA xx

[RachelPappas]

CA125 is a tumor marker, but there is some in everyone's blood. Docs just look to see if it's rising, how much it's rising by. And if there is a trend where it's either risen substantially or is continuing to rise, the know to do further testing like scans. Sometimes it rises for reasons other than cancer, so it's just one tool they use. Here's an article I did on CA125:

What’s in a CA-125 test?

If you’re like most women who have heard, “You’ve got ovarian cancer” there’s probably another group of words ringing through your ears—a term once foreign to you, but now your language : “CA-125.” CA-125 is the tumor marker that can make you sweat if it starts to creep up—and has you feel like dancing in the streets when it’s low.

Though a rising CA-125 can get you nervous, oncologists’ views on whether to do anything about it vary.

Many doctors don’t believe in starting treatments based on this tumor marker alone. Their reasoning is that there are other conditions that can cause transient (temporary) increases in CA-125. Pregnancy, for one can cause an increase. Definitely not pregnant? Well, know that some other pre-existing illnesses can affect CA-125, like certain forms of arthritis or diabetes.

If you’ve had a hysterectomy, that can elevate your CA-125 too, often because of irritation of the lining of the abdomen. But as long as you’re getting good care, try to breathe easy. There’s a very good chance that once the swelling goes down, your CA-125 will too.

What should I do if my CA-125 were to rise?

If you don’t have physical or radiographic evidence that there is a recurrence, but your level is rising, speak with your doctor about whether you should start treatment. Ask your doctor why he/she makes their decision on whether to test or not. And if you want to know more about your personal situation, don’t hesitate to ask how the decision or recommendation was made for you.

For more information:

ovariancancer.jhmi.edu/recu...

[ArctoLindy]

I've never had OC - I'm here because my sister has and as a result my GP now checks my CA125 levels every 6 months when I have my thyroid levels checked because I take thyroid meds.

My CA125 has been checked several times now and it hovers between 21 and 25. I hope that helps to answer the question - I also suffer with Fibromyalgia and IBS which I'm guessing could account for my highish side of normal readings.