Key takeaways
- CA125 is a blood marker read alongside your symptoms and an ultrasound scan, which together give the clearest picture.
- Your period, endometriosis, fibroids, pregnancy and general inflammation can all raise CA125, so a raised result has many possible explanations.
- NICE guidance uses 35 U/mL as the level that prompts a pelvic ultrasound when a woman has symptoms that could suggest ovarian cancer.
- Symptoms lasting several weeks, including persistent bloating, feeling full quickly, pelvic pain or needing to pass urine more often, are worth seeing a doctor about.
- The Blood London CA125 test includes HE4 and a ROMA score, with results back in 1 working day.
You've had weeks of bloating, or a doctor has mentioned ovarian cancer as something to rule out, and now CA125 is on the form. It's natural to hope the number will settle the question one way or the other.
CA125 is a protein measured in the blood. Ovarian cancer can raise it, but so can many common and benign conditions, so it's read alongside your symptoms and an ultrasound. Book the test if a clinician has advised it as part of assessing your symptoms.
Book a CA125 blood test at 117a Harley Street: £249 plus the £50 blood draw, results in 1 working day. If you only need CA-125 on its own, the single CA-125 test costs £75 plus the £50 blood draw, with results in 1 day.
Is CA125 a screening test for ovarian cancer?
No. CA125 is not recommended as a screening test for women without symptoms, or as a routine check for the general population. It's used when ovarian cancer is one of the possibilities being considered, alongside your symptoms and an ultrasound scan.
What can raise CA125 apart from cancer?
Many non-cancer conditions can raise CA125, including menstruation, endometriosis, fibroids, pregnancy and general pelvic or abdominal inflammation. That's why a clinician weighs a single raised result against your age, menopausal status, symptoms and imaging findings.
| Cause of a raised CA125 | Cancer-related? |
|---|---|
| Menstrual period | No |
| Endometriosis | No |
| Fibroids | No |
| Pregnancy | No |
| General inflammation, including in the pelvis or abdomen | No |
| Ovarian cancer, and some other cancers | Yes; needs further assessment |
What level of CA125 leads to further investigation?
NICE guidance uses 35 U/mL as the level that prompts a pelvic ultrasound in a woman with symptoms that could suggest ovarian cancer. It's a trigger for further assessment, and your doctor will read it alongside your ultrasound findings and overall clinical picture.
What symptoms mean I should see a doctor?
See a doctor if you have persistent bloating, feel full quickly when eating, have pelvic or abdominal pain, or need to pass urine more often or urgently. That applies when these symptoms have lasted several weeks or keep coming back, especially if you are 50 or over. Unexplained weight loss, tiredness or a change in bowel habit are also worth mentioning.
These are the symptoms NICE identifies as warranting assessment. They are common to many conditions, most of which are not cancer, and they are worth having checked. A lump or swelling in your tummy, or any bleeding after the menopause, should be seen by a GP promptly.
What does the CA125 blood test at Blood London include?
The test includes CA-125, HE4 and a calculated ROMA score, which gives a more structured picture than CA125 alone. The ROMA score needs your menopausal status, so let the clinic know this when you book. If your clinician has asked for CA-125 only, you can book the single CA-125 test for £75 plus the £50 blood draw.
For a broader hormone picture, there are two female hormone profiles. The short Female Hormone Profile checks FSH, LH, prolactin and oestradiol (£195 plus the £50 blood draw, results in 1 day). The full Female Hormone Blood Test checks FSH, LH, prolactin, oestradiol, testosterone and SHBG, with a calculated Free Androgen Index (£245 plus the £50 blood draw, results in 1 working day). The cancer marker blood tests page shows the full range of organ-specific markers.
Can a normal CA125 rule out ovarian cancer?
No. Some ovarian cancers don't raise CA125 at all, particularly in the early stages. That's why the test is used alongside an ultrasound and your symptoms.
Booking your CA125 test
As with all our private blood tests in London, you can book online or walk in at 117a Harley Street, seven days a week. Results, including HE4 and the ROMA score, usually arrive by email within 1 working day. The clinical team will confirm any preparation and suitability before your appointment.
You can add a doctor review of your report for £75. If you'd like your result discussed alongside your symptoms and an examination, a specialist gynaecology consultation at Gynae Clinic can take this further. When you're ready, book your CA125 blood test online.
Frequently asked questions
Does CA125 diagnose ovarian cancer?
CA125 supports an assessment rather than giving a diagnosis. Your symptoms and an ultrasound scan are read with it, in either direction.
Can CA125 be raised by something other than cancer?
Yes, and often is. Periods, endometriosis, fibroids, pregnancy and inflammation are all common reasons.
What is the ROMA score?
ROMA combines CA125 and HE4 with your menopausal status into a single calculated score. It's used alongside imaging to help assess ovarian risk.
Should every woman have a CA125 test?
It's used when a clinician is assessing specific symptoms, such as persistent bloating or pelvic pain, rather than as a routine check for women who feel well.
How quickly will I get my CA125 result?
Usually within 1 working day by email, including HE4 and the ROMA score.
References
- NICE guideline NG12: Suspected cancer, recognition and referral
- NHS: Ovarian cancer
- Cancer Research UK: CA125 test
- Lab Tests Online UK: CA125 test