A recent article by James Gallagher in BBC News discusses how scientists have developed a saliva test that could help remodel how prostate cancer screening is done. Around 12,000 men in the United Kingdom die each year from prostate cancer, and screenings have been growing more and more common since the Olympic Sir Chris Hoy announced his diagnosis.
The current blood tests available look for certain levels of prostate-specific antigens that cause many missing cases. This has caused a greater risk of harm than good. The saliva test does not look for signs of cancer, but 130 mutations could be found in DNA, increasing the risk of developing cancerous cells. This study was conducted on men ranging in ages 55 to 69 who are possibly at greater risk for this cancer. The overall outcome of the experiment showed that of 746 men, 187 were found to have prostate cancer, even saving 2 people's lives. The saliva test is on a transform trial while researchers discover the best way to screen people for prostate cancer.
As simple as saliva, it can show what some tests can't. I definitely feel having this test done, along with other tests can help with the diagnosis and helping many men out there. 130 mutations can be found in DNA, that could potentially help in a big way.
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