Not necessarily. Elevated CA-125 (a protein in the blood that’s associated with ovarian cancer) is most often caused by common, ordinary or benign conditions such as uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis — or even just having your period.
Measuring CA-125 is most useful in women with known ovarian cancer, as one of the indicators used to assess how well the cancer is responding to treatment. In addition, physicians use the test along with imaging such as ultrasound to monitor women who face high risk for ovarian cancer, or to evaluate a pelvic mass. Learn more about Roswell Park's High Risk Ovarian Clinic.
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