What is the ROCA® Test?
The ROCA Test is a simple blood test that assesses a woman’s risk of having ovarian cancer. The test is intended for women between 35 and 85 years old who have tested positive for BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation and who wish to delay risk reducing surgery.
The ROCA Test uses your CA-125 measurements, establishing your baseline levels of CA-125 with other parameters such as age to reveal an individualized profile of change over time rather than relying on a single CA-125 fixed cutoff value.
Eligibility and Risk for Ovarian Cancer
You may be eligible for the ROCA Test if you are between 35 and 85 years with a known mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. You should talk with your doctor about whether the test is right for you.
If several members of your family have had ovarian and/or breast cancer (including male breast cancer), you may be classed as having a family history of these cancers. However, your history will also depend on your ethnicity and other factors. To understand your risk of ovarian cancer you should make an appointment to speak with your clinician who will review your medical history to determine if you have a family history that may increase your risk of ovarian cancer and if appropriate undertake a BRCA test.
Removal of the ovaries is the recommended option for women with BRCA mutations. The ROCA Test should only be considered as a short term option until a woman is ready to undertake surgery to remove her ovaries. We recommend you consult your doctor if you wish to explore your options.
No, patients who have had ovarian cancer do not meet the criteria for the ROCA Test.
No, patients who are pregnant are not eligible to take the ROCA test. You may resume testing 6 weeks after the end of your pregnancy.
Yes, but it is recommended to wait until 12 months after starting HRT for menopausal symptoms before starting the ROCA Test.
Women who have had both of their ovaries removed, but still have their fallopian tubes, do not meet the criteria for the ROCA Test unless they are aged 35-85 and are at high risk for ovarian cancer.
The ROCA Test was evaluated in a 4 year study in this population of women considered to be at high risk of ovarian cancer. Those who were not between 35-85, were not included in the study.
A woman is considered to be postmenopausal when she has not had her period for 12 months or after 12 months of starting HRT for menopausal symptoms.
Taking the ROCA Test
It is recommended that you have a ROCA test 3 times a year.
If your results are not Normal, your clinician may recommend a repeat ROCA Test within the next six weeks. You may also be referred for a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) scan of your ovaries or other clinical assessment determined by your clinician.
You can always start taking the ROCA Test again, even if you have stopped for a period of time. Discuss this with your clinician
ROCA Results
Your ROCA Test result provides you with your own personal risk assessment of having ovarian cancer. Your result may include:
- A numerical score (e.g., 1 in 5000)
- A categorisation (Normal, Intermediate or Elevated)
If your ROCA Test result is outside of the Normal range (Intermediate or Elevated) at any time during surveillanceit does not mean that you definitely have ovarian cancer. Your clinician may ask you to take a repeat ROCA Test within the next six weeks, refer you for a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) scan of your ovaries, or suggest other possible clinical assessments.
The ROCA Test works by tracking your baseline CA125 level and accurately assessing change. Each time you have the test, all previous CA125 test results are used. Also, ovarian cancer can develop rapidly so regular testing is recommended.