MUC16 surface coating and CA125 measurement
Biomarker library
Tumour Associated Markers
CA-125
CA-125 is a protein found on the surface of cells lining the abdomen and pelvis, including the ovaries.
Measured in your health assessment, with a doctor to explain your result. Book yours
Why it matters
It is used to help investigate symptoms that could come from ovarian cancer, such as persistent bloating, and to monitor treatment. It is not a reliable screening test on its own, because many harmless conditions raise it and some early cancers don't.
What a result can mean
Lower than the range
A normal CA-125 is reassuring but doesn't completely rule out ovarian cancer, so persistent bloating, feeling full quickly or pelvic pain should still be checked by a GP.
Higher than the range
A raised CA-125 is common with non-cancerous conditions: periods, pregnancy, endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic infection, liver disease and inflammation of the lining of the abdomen or chest. A raised result, especially after the menopause, is followed up with a pelvic ultrasound.
What can help
There is nothing to do to lower CA-125 itself. A raised level is read with your age, symptoms and an ultrasound, and repeating the test over time often helps.
Read it with
NoteGeneral educational illustration. Colours, sizes and movement are simplified. This is not a scan or a simulation of your body. General information, not personal medical advice: a doctor reads your own results with your history.
Know your CA-125.
Measured in your health assessment and explained by the doctor who reviews your results.