CA125 blood test - I’m spiralling.

[FavouritePJs]

My 19 year old DD has seen the GP due to constipation and diarrhoea, physically examined and needs to provide a fecal sample but I have noticed on the blood form CA125. My mother died from ovarian cancer and I’m in a complete state of panic, instantly going to a very dark place.. Please, can anyone offer me some reassurance?

This is standard. Much better they check and rule it out. Even if raised CA125 is not specific for ovarian cancer. You don't need to be reassured because there is nothing to worry about.

My sister died from OC
I had the test and it came back as low risk x
I hope that can give you a little reassurance xx

It’s just a standard request - part of a raft of tests requested for chronic symptoms. I’m sure they’ve also asked for plenty of other bloods, like an MOT.

Edited to add CA 125 isn’t a specific test for ovarian cancer.

I have ovarian cancer. Better to have the test and it be negative.

I forgot to add, I’ve also had breast cancer but BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations have been ruled out, but this obviously adds to my spiralling anxiety.

I’m so sorry to read this, I hope your treatment is going well x

Thanks @FavouritePJs, as well as can be expected. Not the best but not the worst!

Please do not worry unduly.

Ca125 is an inflammation marker test. Endometriosis for instance can show inflammation.

Has your dd travelled abroad recently?.

Thank you. No, she hasn’t, but she’s had this ongoing issue of constipation and diarrhoea for a while. She hasn’t tried excluding certain food groups but it hasn’t made any difference. She’s fit and well, no weight loss or any other red flags. It was just seeing CA125 on the form, my stomach lurched and I was instantly panicked

At this stage the investigations are to rule out certain conditions so you are more likely than not to be worrying unnecessarily.

Many GPs overlook ovarian cancer when diagnosing young women with "bowel" issues so it's good that her GP has considered this test. I hope you soon learn it is negative.

Correction, she HAS tried excluding certain food groups, not hasn’t.

Thank you all for trying to help to keep me calm, I’m doing my best 😢

How come you got to see the form?

It's just a marker to rule out OV and other inflammation and it will be fine.

Has DD had coeliac test, that and gluten intolerance is a usual suspect in younger (and many other) people with those symptoms. It's checked by blood test, followed by colonoscopy (biopsy to confirm) if blood test is positive.

I recently had to have a load of blood tests, and C125 was one of them. I googled it and it said it was a standard test these days, and can detect markers of up to 50 cancers. Mine came back negative.

my daughter showed it to me

She hasn’t no, but has a follow up appointment in a
few weeks so can mention it then if she feels it’s appropriate to do so. Thank you for the reassurance.