That ca 125 e-mail that keeps floating by in cyberspace

It's one of those phenomenon of cyberspace that certain scary stories just keep floating around. Every six weeks or so, somone emails me about the story, wanting to let everyone know.

It's not true. CA 125 is not a reliable test to detect cancer. It's a tool to track cancer. It's used sometimes after a mass is detected. I wouldn't exactly call the alarmist e-mail a hoax, it's possibly true, but since the risk of getting ovarian cancer is less than 2% over a lifetime, the risk of this story happening is extraordinarily low.

Anyway, here's the lowdown on that e-mail:

http://www.snopes2.com/toxins/ca125.htm

The latest person who sent it to me, I couldn't reply to directly for some reason, so I figured I'd bring it up here.

Thanks for posting that Trish! I know that I brought that email to your attention about 6 mos ago or so! That should make you feel good that we all turn to you for advice! We trust your opinion!!

Thanks Trish!

I've gotten this email or one like it numerous times over the last year. It most certainly would be good if the CA125 was more accurate. I've learned through discussions with my oncologist that all ovarian cancers don't elevate the protein that the CA125 measures, which I'm sure accounts for quite a lot of the false negatives. Add to that the other conditions to do elevate this protein, which accounts for the false positives.

I know there is a lot of research going on trying to find a reliable screening test for ovarian, possibly the PLA that was mentioned in the ACS article will prove reliable. I've also heard where the use of gene testing is being explored as a possible screening tool, in the same way they're testing for the BRCA2 gene that's associated with breast cancer. One can only hope that something is discovered and soon!

Anyway, with all that said, I can relate to the email regardless as the CA125 is the one that gave me a heads up on my cancer. Nothing - no surgery, however, was decided or scheduled until AFTER I had a MRI which showed the mass and my consult with the Gyn/Oncologist.

Hey Trish!!

You are a constant source of information for us!! God luv ya, and thank you. I didn't know that the chances of getting ovarian were less than 2%. Thats really interesting.

I know for my strain of this dreaded diease they watch the Beta protein or enzyme ( not sure which) as a marker. I asked them if they did the CA125 on me, and they said it wasn't a good test for my strain. (Dysgerminoma).

I like that there are markers that will tell them if its coming back, as its an added reassurance along with the physical exam.

I think we should start calling you Britt short for Brittanica!! I have said it before you are a living encyclopedia for us!
Thanks again.
Maria xo