Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125) Test
Booked 147 timesAlso known as:
Cancer Antigen 125 Test, CA-125 Tumour Marker, CA 125 Blood Test
Blood
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Serum
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Overview
The CA 125 Test is conducted to measure the amount of Cancer Antigen 125 (or CA 125) present in the blood. The Cancer Antigen 125 is a kind of protein or an antigen that is considered to be a tumour marker in women.
By testing the levels of CA 125 and interpreting the CA 125 Test results, healthcare practitioners can often determine if the patient is at high risk of developing cancer or if they already have a type of cancer.
Despite the many uses of the CA 125 Test, many healthcare authorities do not consider the test to be a good measure of screening for cancer in women who are at average risk of getting cancer. Instead, the CA 125 Test is considered to be a good test for cancer diagnosis in women who are at a high risk of developing any kind of cancer like ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, etc.
In India, breast cancer and ovarian cancer continue to be major causes of female deaths till date. Many Indian women don’t get diagnosed at an early stage, which then results in a fatal outcome. Breast cancer and ovarian cancer awareness drives have been doing their best all over the country to encourage people not to ignore their condition and get tested if they suspect any abnormalities.
So, for women who are already at a high risk of developing cancer (maybe due to a family history of cancer cases), getting the CA 125 Test is a wise preventive measure.
Other Names of CA 125 Test
- Cancer Antigen 125 Test
- CA 125 Blood Test
- CA-125 Tumor Marker
What does the test measure, and who is it prescribed for?
The CA 125 Test measures the levels of Cancer Antigen 125 in the woman’s body. The CA 125 Test is used by healthcare practitioners in the following conditions:
To diagnose any kind of cancer in women belonging to the high-risk group
For women who fall in the high-risk category, the CA 125 Test may be suggested quite frequently by their healthcare provider. This frequent testing will be done to ensure that there is no growth of tumour in the woman’s body and they remain healthy.
To monitor the progress of cancer therapy
For women who have already been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, or cancer of the fallopian tubes, etc., the doctors prescribe the CA 125 Test to monitor if the cancer therapy is effective in reducing tumour growth. A decreased level of CA 125 can often be an indicator of the cancer therapy working well.
To check for cancer recurrence
Women who have been through cancer therapy before and were able to get rid of the tumour are asked to take the CA 125 Test periodically. This is because their healthcare practitioners monitor them for spotting any cancer regrowth.
This test is also prescribed to people who have a family history that makes them more vulnerable to cancer. If the woman has a family history that suggests that women (or men) in their family have or had any kind of cancer before, especially cancer found in women like ovarian cancer, cancer of the breast, cancer of the fallopian tubes, etc. then, that female is at a high risk of developing cancer.
Apart from the conditions mentioned above, if women show the following symptoms then they may be asked to go for the CA 125 Test:
- Experiencing persistent bloating
- Suffering from pelvic or abdomen pain
- Feeling full quickly or losing appetite
Sample Type
The CA 125 Test requires the woman to give her blood sample to the lab technician. The CA 125 Test blood sample is drawn from a vein in the arm and can give a slight stinging feeling when the needle is inserted.
Test Preparation
There is no need to undergo any fasting before your blood sample for the CA 125 Test is collected. You may continue to drink and eat normally before the CA 125 Test blood sample is drawn from your arm.
However, if you take any medicines or supplements that may interfere with your CA 125 Test results, then your doctor may ask you to stop taking these medicines temporarily. In any case, make sure to inform your healthcare practitioner before giving your sample.
The procedure involved in drawing blood from your arm is usually risk-free and does not have many consequences. However, you can experience mild bleeding, nausea, dizziness, and weakness. If this happens to you, then you should speak with your lab technician so that they can assist you accordingly.
Test Parameters
The CA 125 Test is used to determine the levels of a CA 125 protein in the Blood. The Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125) protein is considered a tumour marker, which means that it helps detect cancers of several kinds. Some of them are Fallopian Tubes cancer, ovarian cancer, etc.
When your sample is collected, it is tested for the level of this protein. Doctors then make use of your test results to check for any signs that could point out the development of a tumour.
Test Result Interpretation
You can refer to the following table given below to interpret your CA 125 Test results:
CA 125 Test Results | CA 125 Test Results Interpretation |
Between 0 to 35 units per millilitre | The normal level of Cancer Antigen 125 in the body |
Above 35 units per millilitre | Higher than normal level of Cancer Antigen 125 in the body |
Detailed interpretation of the CA 125 Test results:
For normal levels of CA 125 in the blood sample
This result indicates the absence of any cancer or tumour growth in the body.
For CA 125 levels above normal range
This result indicates abnormal and concerning levels of CA 125 in the blood of the woman. These test results, however, are not a confirmation of having any type of cancer. This test result will prompt your doctor to ask you to undergo a few more diagnostic tests to confirm the root cause of the elevated levels of the CA 125 Test.
Many times, the CA 125 Test results are also false high and can show elevated levels of the Cancer Antigen 125 even when the woman is not suffering from any type of cancer. This false spike in the CA 125 Test results can be caused by the following conditions instead:
- If the woman is menstruating.
- If the woman is already suffering from any kind of Liver disease.
- If the woman is pregnant.
- Due to Uterine Fibroids, a non-cancerous growth inside the woman’s uterus.
- Fallopian tube disorders like pelvic inflammatory disease.
Thus, elevated levels of CA 125 Test results should not always be associated with a kind of cancer, especially in women who fall in the average risk category of developing cancer.
Risk Assessment
Ovarian cancer, Pancreatic cancer, Fallopian tube cancer, Breast cancer
Price/Cost
The pricing for a CA 125 test can vary based on the city and the laboratory. Typically, the cost of a CA 125 test ranges from INR 799 to INR 1479. Here is a detailed breakdown of the average charges for a CA 125 test in various major cities across India:
City | Min Price | Average Price | Max Price |
CA 125 Test Price in Bengaluru | 799 | 1139 | 1479 |
CA 125 Test Price in Chennai | 799 | 1139 | 1479 |
CA 125 Test Price in Delhi | 799 | 1139 | 1479 |
CA 125 Test Price in Hyderabad | 799 | 1139 | 1479 |
CA 125 Test Price in Kolkata | 799 | 1139 | 1479 |
CA 125 Test Price in Lucknow | 799 | 1139 | 1479 |
CA 125 Test Price in Mumbai | 799 | 1139 | 1479 |
CA 125 Test Price in Nagpur | 799 | 1139 | 1479 |
CA 125 Test Price in Patna | 799 | 1139 | 1479 |
CA 125 Test Price in Pune | 799 | 1139 | 1479 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does a high CA 125 always mean cancer?
A higher than normal level of Cancer Antigen 125 in the blood sample does not always mean that the person has a kind of cancer. It can also be caused by pregnancy, menstruation, liver diseases, etc. Therefore, further diagnostic tests will be required before confirming for cancer.
What is a bad CA 125 level?
A bad or abnormal CA 125 level is considered to be one that crosses the mark of 35 units per millilitre. At this level of CA 125 in the blood sample, the doctor can ask you to undergo a few more diagnostic tests to determine the underlying root problem that caused the CA 125 levels to spike.
What happens if CA 125 is high?
If the CA 125 levels are high in the blood sample, the doctor can make you undergo a few more diagnostic tests before confirming any kind of cancer growth in the body.
How can I lower my CA 125 naturally?
CA 125 levels, in particular, can be lowered by cancer therapy. However, to naturally reduce the risk of developing cancer that can cause CA 125 levels to rise, you should exercise regularly, maintain a healthy lifestyle, cut down on processed foods, and eat foods that can destroy the cancer cells (like giber, tomato juice, etc.).
Can stress cause CA 125 to rise?
Although there are no studies that point to the same, still, for women who are already undergoing treatment for reducing the levels of CA 125, stress is never a good option.
How often should you go for the CA 125 Test?
The CA 125 Test may be a frequent test for women at high risk of developing cancer (maybe due to family history or other preexisting health conditions). For women with an average risk of developing cancer, the CA 125 Test may be suggested only once, especially if the woman shows any symptoms.
What is the price of the CA 125 test?
If you're curious about the CA 125 test price, it's essential to consider that it can vary between Rs 799 and Rs 1479, contingent on factors such as location, choice of diagnostic lab and potential discounts.