The Ovarian Cancer Marker
With ovarian cancer posing such a serious threat to women around the world, there are various diagnostic tests through online excel lab that have been created in order to detect and prevent it from spreading, one of them being CA 125 or Cancer Antigen 125. But what exactly is this blood test? How can it help you? Find out more about CA 125 and how it can be used to detect ovarian cancer and its markers below.
What is CA 125?
CA 125 is a marker for ovarian cancer and can also be used to assess the risk of developing other cancers, such as uterus, stomach, lung and breast. If your physician or nurse practitioner has recommended that you get your CA 125 tested or you are going to be asked by your doctor in future.
You should know about it first. It will not only tell you about its test results but also help understand when and why it is used for. And after reading about it, don’t forget to schedule an appointment with Excel Lab Islamabad today! You can also take our free online sample excel lab report template here so that you may have a prior idea of how laboratory reports look like.
When Should I Have My First Test?
Normally, you should have your first CA-125 test about six weeks after your final period. This is when ovarian cancer is most likely to occur. But, if you have any symptoms of ovarian cancer or other reasons for suspicion.
Such as a family history of ovarian cancer, or if your doctor feels that you might be at higher risk than average, then it’s important that you get tested even sooner. Lab tests take some time to complete, so don’t expect results right away in fact it can take anywhere from 2 days up to 2 weeks for a lab test report.
Who Should Be Screened For CA 125?
There is no simple answer as to who should be screened for CA 125, as everyone’s risk factors are different. Depending on your family history and other factors, it’s recommended that you discuss with your doctor whether a CA 125 blood test would be right for you. Women at high risk for ovarian cancer may want to be tested annually, while women at low risk may not need annual testing.
Can I be treated if My Results are Normal?
Normal test results on an Excel test report for CA 125 don’t necessarily mean you won’t have ovarian cancer. However, women who have cancer and a normal test result don’t need frequent follow-up. Women with elevated levels or a rising trend in their levels are generally recommended to receive further tests and possibly treatment depending on their particular situation.
Risks and Benefits of Testing
Did you know that there are both risks and benefits associated with testing for ovarian cancer? On one hand, if you are tested early enough, ovarian cancer can be treated successfully. It is also important to note that certain treatments may cause harmful side effects.
If you do not test at all, however, chances are high that your cancer will go undiagnosed. Early diagnosis is key to overcoming ovarian cancer. Learn more about ovarian cancer markers by consulting our professionals at Excel Lab Islamabad today!
Where Do I Go From Here?
So, you’ve got a copy of your Excel Test Report. And, you’ve got a copy of Excel Lab Islamabad. Now what? Here are some things for you to consider and discuss with your doctor in order to better understand what all these numbers mean.