Lab test · Oncology
CA-125 (Cancer Antigen 125)
Ovarian cancer marker
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 2 days
- Home collection
What this test is for
Ovarian cancer marker
CA-125 is a protein that can be released into the blood by ovarian cancer cells, although other tissues in the body make it too. It is used mainly to help assess a pelvic or ovarian mass, to check how well treatment for ovarian cancer is working and to look for signs of the cancer returning. Many harmless conditions can raise CA-125, so the result is always read with scans and symptoms.
Why a doctor may order it
- Persistent bloating, feeling full quickly, or ongoing pelvic or tummy pain
- When an ultrasound shows an ovarian cyst or mass that needs further assessment
- To check how well ovarian cancer treatment is working
- During follow-up after treatment for ovarian cancer
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
There is no need to fast, so you can eat and drink normally. CA-125 can rise during a period, so tell your doctor the date of your last period; they may suggest timing the test away from it. Carry on taking your regular medicines unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- The sample collector comes to your home and takes a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm, which takes a few minutes. The sealed, labelled tube is then taken to the laboratory.
- Report
- Within 2 days of collection.
What the results can mean
Your report shows the CA-125 level next to the laboratory's reference range. A raised level can be caused by ovarian cancer, but also by periods, pregnancy, endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic infection, liver disease or fluid in the abdomen. In someone being treated for ovarian cancer, a falling level usually suggests a good response. Your doctor will interpret the result with an ultrasound scan and your symptoms.
What's included
One test: CA-125 (Cancer Antigen 125), from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Tumour Marker Package for WomenThis panel measures five tumour markers, substances that can be raised by some cancers and also by several non-cancer conditions.
- Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)CEA is a protein normally present only in very small amounts in adults' blood, but some cancers, particularly bowel (colorectal) cancer, can release more of it, so it is known as a tumour marker.
- CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3)Breast cancer marker৳570
- CA 19-9 (Cancer Antigen 19-9)Pancreas & gut cancer marker৳570
- Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)Liver cancer & pregnancy marker৳650
Questions people ask
Is CA-125 a screening test for ovarian cancer?
It is not recommended as a routine screening test for women without symptoms, because it can be raised by many harmless conditions and can be normal in some early cancers. It is used when symptoms or scans raise concern.
What else can cause a high CA-125?
Periods, pregnancy, endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, liver disease and some other cancers can all raise CA-125. This is why the result is read together with a scan.
Can CA-125 be normal in ovarian cancer?
Yes. Some ovarian cancers, especially at an early stage, do not raise CA-125. If your symptoms continue, your doctor may still arrange further tests.
How much does a CA-125 test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳570, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the CA-125 test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the CA-125 report take?
The report is usually ready within 2 days of the sample being collected.