What is a CA 125 Blood Test and Should I Get One?

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A CA 125 blood test is the best way to check right now for ovarian cancer. CA 125(or cancer antigen 125) is the best indicator that doctors have discovered in the female body to signify the existence of ovarian cancer. This test certainly isn't for everyone and it is riddled with its own set of flaws, but it's the only thing that we have right now to go by. In the future we hope to find better indicators with less possible flaws, but for now CA 125 is the best test available.

Most women might think that getting screened this way would be a common practice, much like a Pap smear or any other annual test. The problem though is that because the test isn't perfect, most results will often lead to unnecessary surgeries and worry on the person tested. The only women that should definitely get a CA 125 Blood Test are those who have a history of ovarian cancer in their family. These women are obviously more at risk of developing such cancer, and they should therefore be more aware of their potential to have it.

Some people estimate that every one correct CA 125 Blood Test is accompanied by 30 false positives, making most women want to stray far away from them. Sure the test does have its advantages, but it is advised that most women don't take it unless they are showing definite signs of ovarian cancer. Women who are showing persistent signs of abdominal bloating or discomfort could consider getting a pelvic ultrasound before proceeding with this test. It's best to consult a doctor about the testing options as each woman has a unique set of requirements.

So it's not the test itself that's the problem, but it's the chance that the test may show results that can lead to false concern that poses the issue. No woman wants to get news of having ovarian cancer, start going through treatment, and then find out that it wasn't cancer from the start. It can lead to a lot of unnecessary stress that could easily be avoided without taking the test in the first place. The screening itself isn't bad, but the stress that can occur as a result can be more devastating and more unhealthy than a lot of medical diagnoses. Only get tested if your doctor thinks that you really a candidate for ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is hard to diagnose in its initial stages, and most women who actually have it don't get proper treatment until it's too late. Doctors are working round the clock to figure out a new way to detect ovarian cancer, but they're making slow progress. In the meantime, the CA 125 Blood Test will just have to do. Luckily, ovarian cancer is a very prominent amongst women, and most who don't have a problem with it in their family don't have to worry about getting tested. Certainly, all women should consult a doctor if they are feeling any type of pelvic pain whatsoever, but it isn't necessary to jump to the conclusion that it's ovarian cancer.