Cancer Antigen 125 Test

Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) is a surface protein of many ovarian cancer cells. CA-125 can also be found in instances of other cancers and as such, it is used as a tumor marker. This blood test is used for the diagnosis and follow-up management of ovarian cancer.

This test is also used to check ovarian cancer treatment or as an indicator as to whether or not ovarian cancer has returned.

According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of developing ovarian cancer gets higher with age. Ovarian cancer is rare in women younger than 40 and most ovarian cancers develop after menopause. Half of all ovarian cancers are found in women 63 years of age or older.

Ovarian cancer can run in families. A woman's ovarian cancer risk is increased if her mother, sister, or daughter has (or has had) ovarian cancer. The risk also gets higher the more relatives a woman has with ovarian cancer. Increased risk for ovarian cancer can also come from the father's side.