CA125

Hi,

I am sorry for posting especially when I have read what you are all going through. I am just really worried and hoping for some advice or positive experiences.

I am 42 years old and haven't been feeling great for a few months now. Lower abdominal cramps, lower back pain always really tired, nausea and bloating. I went to the doctor early September and she ran some blood tests. They all came back normal except for CA125 which was 79.

I was referred to gynaecology who examined me and said there was nothing obvious. I also got an pelvic ultrasound which thankfully was clear.

Gynaecology have said they want my doctor to repeat the CA125 blood test and investigate my bowel.

I am so relieved that it obviously isn't ovarian cancer but now I am worried about bowel problems. Is an increased CA125 related to bowel problems?

Thank you for any advice :-)

  • Hello Hopeful77

    Welcome to the forum and I'm sorry to hear about the health problems that you've had recently. 

    It sounds really positive that your recent tests were clear and that the Gynaecologist didn't feel that there was anything they were concerned about. 

    A raised CA125 blood test result does not always mean a diagnosis of cancer. Raised results can also be caused by other conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids. Some women have a naturally high level of CA125. You can read more here

    Given that the Gynaecologist was unable to find a cause of your symptoms it would make sense that the test is repeated and that other possible causes for your physical symptoms are investigated but I would try not to worry too much at the moment. 

    Hopefully you won't have to wait too long for your next appointment but if you'd like to talk through your concerns with one of our team of nurses please do give them a call. They're available on 0808 800 4040 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm). 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Hi there

    I'm having almost the exact same issues and wondered how you got on? I hope you are well x

  • Hi

     

    I am also very worried and so wondered how you got on. My result fir the Cal125 was 41. I am not sure what it should be although my Gp said 35 and under but also read 46 and under. But I have to go for scans and I am terrified. I noticed your post and wondered how things have been for you. I am older than you at 69 years. Can you let me know. It would be much appreciated. Thankyou 

     

     

     

     

  • Hi. I have also had the Cal125 test

     It was a reading of 41 which my Gp said was high as it was over 35. (I read somewhere that over 46 is high) so I have to go for scans. I am extremely worried and distressed as I recently lost my husband to cancer. How are you getting on and was your level high too? 

  • Hi there,

    I'm still being investigated. My level was 67.

    My gynaecologist said that he would be worried if it was in its 100s.

    They couldn't find anything on my ultrasound thank goodness. I'm being sent for other tests now to rule out other cancers.

    it's terrifying and I don't really have much advise because I haven't been coping so well. I'm so happy they didn't find anything on my ovaries in the ultrasound but also still very scared about bowels etc.

    i hope you're ok. Here if you want to chat x

  • Thanks.  I am also very scared and anxous.  Some people say the levels can go up for fibroids etc.  Did they check you for that. Were you getting pain or any other symptom

  • I believe it can be up for lots of other inflammatory things and not just cancer.

    i don't have any fibroids. I have polycystic ovaries but was told that wouldn't be causing it. I was on my period the day I had the bloods but I don't believe that would make it so high. I've no idea.

    my symptoms are bloating and abdominal pain. Also had some blood in poo. Oh it's all so worrying :(

    Try to stay positive (I honestly know how hard that is), it's more than likely not cancer and worst case scenario, with levels so low it would have been caught very early I think xx

  • Sorry to keep messaging you. Where is your pain about . Is it a severe pain that you need pain killers for? Was there a lot of blood on your poo? Is your pain lower or upper or middle abdomen. Has your appetite been affected. So sorry but I am so worried and panicking.  Thankyou for your time. 

  • It's lower abdominal mostly (front and back). Definitely 

    dont need to take anything for it. I can deal with it. Just a dull ache. It's the worrying why that gets me.

    blood was bright red and in spots in my poo. I've actually just done an at home stool test though and it was nagtive. It says it's 99% accurate and it's an IVD approved test kit. So who knows but I did it just for peace of mind.

    ive hardly got an appetite but I think that's more the worrying than the bloating to be honest. But I am mega bloated and uncomfortable.

    I honestly feel for you and all of us going through this. It's so hard to just carry on as normal. Hope you're ok x

     

  • Thankyou.i had bleeding from back passage also bright red and u got the nhs treat done and it was fine. They thought it was haemorrhoids that were quite high up. Apparently bright red blood is less of a concern and more likely to be piles or a fissure( a small cut that heals with cream) so hopefully your ok there. Have they checked you for irritable bowel? It's so worrying. Have you to go for a colonoscopy or anything else? Hope you are on too. X