Recent research highlights a breakthrough in prostate cancer screening: at-home saliva tests. According to a new study by the Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, these tests are more effective at identifying men at higher risk of prostate cancer than the traditional PSA blood tests.

Understanding the Saliva Test Advantage

The saliva tests focus on detecting genetic factors that predispose men to prostate cancer. Unlike the PSA blood tests, which can miss aggressive cancers or produce false positives, saliva tests offer a more accurate and less invasive alternative. The simplicity of this method—collecting a saliva sample at home and mailing it in—makes it very accessible.

Study Highlights

The study involved over 6,000 European men aged 55-69, a group at increased risk for prostate cancer. Researchers used both saliva and blood tests on a subset of these men, finding that saliva tests not only reduced false positives but also identified a higher proportion of aggressive cancers. The preliminary findings were promising: 40% of men with high-risk genetic markers identified by the saliva test were diagnosed with prostate cancer following further examination, compared to only 25% with high PSA levels.

Implications for Screening Programs

Currently, the UK lacks a national screening program for prostate cancer due to the limitations of PSA tests. The new saliva test, however, could revolutionise early detection and treatment, potentially saving many lives. Professor Caroline Moore, a consultant urologist specialising in prostate cancer, emphasised the test’s ease and efficiency on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, explaining how DNA from saliva is analysed for genetic variations linked to the disease.

Read the BBC article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cw44e32veg3o

Our Commitment

At GFCT, we are deeply invested in advancing early diagnosis of prostate cancer. We are endeavouring to contact Professor Caroline Moore to offer our services in finding a solution. By supporting innovative research and promoting effective screening methods, we aim to make even more of an impact in the fight against prostate cancer.