Elevated CA125

[Weddingspeakup10]

My CA125 blood test result has come back elevated ( reading is 38). I'm waiting for a pelvic scan, but I feel suicidal, I can't eat, sleep or stop worrying about Ovarian Cancer which is what the scan pelvic scan will check for. Should I cancel the scan? I just can't cope anymore. I have young children. I have just turned 40.

Thank you for your messages. I've had it done now. I did cry when I went in, but I had an external and internal scan, lasted 10 minutes x

Well done- it's important and you did it and I know how scared you will have been How do you get the results?

They will be emailed to my doctor so maybe tomorrow I'll get the report xx

I hope it comes back quickly and you get some peace of mind back.

I been told for CA25 to show cancerous numbers need ti be in they 1000s

Good luck with your results OP

Hi All.

I just wanted to update everyone.
My scan results have come in as nnormal.i don't know what's causing my CA125 level to be high to am awaiting next steps.
I just want to thank everyone for their support, it's been invaluable to me as such a difficult time xx

That's great news. Phew!

I'm so pleased for you. xx

Thank you. I'm still really wondering why the CA125 was high, not sure whether to pay for a private breast scan or this will start even more anxiety, its about £160xx

It was only just outside the normal range. Some people's "normal" may be outside the typical normal range, so whilst none of us can conclusively say it's nothing, there's a really high probability that you are normally higher than average. You gp should be able to give you proper medical advice as to whether further action should be taken

Op - it's really clear that you're suffering with health anxiety in the main. This is apparent as bow you're wanting to shift the focus to a breast issue

You were told repeatedly that your levels were more than likely normal and at your age, ovarian cancer is extremely rare. Yes it happens but it's very very unlikely

My mum died of it 6 years ago - it's usually found in post menopausal women

So my advice is to stop mentally flailing about trying to find some sort of cancer diagnosis when it's overwhelmingly likely you do not have cancer - try seeking help for the health anxiety

I agree with the poster above. I think the priority needs to be speaking with your GP about health anxiety.

I understand concerns around any cancer related concerns, ive had a 2ww in the past and am currently awaiting one at the moment. But it seemed your level of anxiety, even when people were telling you that your results were highly likely to be normal and your numbers were barely above the norm, seemed excessive to the point you didn't eat, sleep and were convincing yourself you were dying. You seemed to ignore any post that reassured you that your results were likely to be normal.

Please dont go searching for the next thing to spiral about, your numbers are marginally above the norm, your GP checked as a caution and the test should have reassured you. If it hasn't done that, please reach out to the GP about your anxiety. Explain how this affected you and the impact it had and hopefully they can address this going forward. If they still have concerns about your blood result, they will tell you.

You have health anxiety OP.
Why not try and get that addressed?

Agree with you.

OP, I have cancer. Trust me when I say, it's utter shite!!!

You don't have cancer. Celebrate that fact. You are well.

You are right. I have just become terrified of my body now. I keep trying to find anything abnormal to feel, the look of it. It's driving my insane. I just thought if I constantly paid for scans I'd get reassure I guess. In the last couple of years, lots of people I know, including 2 family members have been diagnosed and its terrifying. I hate feeling like this, thank you for your replies xx

With the way you feel, even another scan won't help, you will then feel like something is missed or something else needs scanning.

You aren't alone with this anxiety as seen on these boards often, but your GP will be able to help. You dont want to live with fear like this any time you get something that feels slightly off.

I hope you manage to reach out to your GP and get some help.

Definitely seek help OP. You can't be feeling " terrified" of your own body, it will make you ill.

Don't forget, this is the cancer board and many of us are dealing with this very real disease, in one way or another.

I agree with other posters, OP, and think you should be addressing your anxiety. I've had breast cancer and at least three subsequent two week wait referrals for new suspicious symptoms so do understand how scary it can be. But you've had a scan which was normal and your CA125 level was only very marginally raised, and this could have been caused by several other things. People I've known who have had ovarian cancer have all had readings in triple figures. I honestly wouldn't be in the slightest bit worried if I had a CA125 reading of the level you've had.

I don't know why you're now thinking about having a breast scan, because there's no reason at all to suggest that you've got any breast cancer symptoms from what you've said, but it's not as simple as just going to a private hospital band having it done. I have an annual mammogram and ultrasound carried out privately because having had different types of breast cancer in three different areas of my breast, and a very strong family history of cancer, I don't feel comfortable only having a three yearly NHS mammogram. But I had to have a GP referral for this and have to pay to for an appointment with the consultant to discuss the scans, so it actually costs way more than just the scan.

@Weddingspeakup10 health anxiety is debilitating and this probably isn't the right board for it. 'General Health' probably better. I know you mean absolutely no offence but this is a board for those living with cancer or living with a relative who has it. For total transparency I saw your thread in Active and commented because my mum died from what you were convinced you had

But - kindly - you need to pull yourself together a bit. You've got kids to look after and all this spending money on pointless scans and chasing symptoms round your body will ultimately really affect your mental health

See a GP about the real issue and consider some CBT or perhaps meditation to help