FACTORS INFLUENCING SERUM CA-125 LEVELS IN NORMAL WOMEN

Serum CA 125 levels were studied in 2544 healthy women. Menopausal sta tus and a history of hysterectomy were both highly significant influen ces on the CA 125 level (P < .0001 for both factors). A history of hor mone replacement therapy was also highly significant in reducing CA 12 5 levels (P = .002) in postmenopausal women. Other factors such as par ity, history of unilateral oophorectomy or oral contraceptive usage, o r family history of ovarian cancer were not significant influences whe n analysis of covariance was performed. When premenopausal women were assessed separately, age was significant (P = .04). The number of year s since menopause did not influence CA 125 levels. Both hysterectomy a nd menopausal status have a clear effect on serum CA 125 levels and mu st be considered if serum CA 125 is to be used as a screening test.