Cancer antigen 125 (CA125) is used as an initial test for women who present to primary care with symptoms of possible ovarian cancer, but research has shown that CA125 levels are normal in 23% of women prior to diagnosis. In the present study it was found that, although women with normal CA125 test results take longer to receive a diagnosis after testing than those with abnormal results, they are more likely to have less aggressive, more-curable forms of disease, and be diagnosised at an earlier cancer stage. This provides some reassurance for those using, and being tested for, CA125. However, improving the sensitivity of primary care testing approaches for ovarian cancer could still be of benefit to patients. |