What is the CA-125 test?
It’s a blood test, and it detects a protein that ovarian cancer cells produce and discharge into the bloodstream. The problem with it is other conditions also can produce CA-125 and be responsible for the rise. Appendicitis, liver disease, endometriosis or kidney disease can all cause a rise. Even pregnancy can cause a rise in CA-125. So it’s a protein that’s not exclusive to ovarian cancer, and this is one of its downfalls. Why isn’t ultrasound always effective? “I think the biggest problem with the ultrasound is missing things,” says Daly. If a doctor finds something and it looks complex, it’s usually significant and needs to be removed. If it looks like a simple cyst, then you have some reassurance it could be something besides cancer. What do you think the study results offer women and doctors? “I think it validates the notion that there are symptoms and that ovarian cancer is not necessarily a silent disease,” Daly says. So women will be more attentive to what’s going on in their
