New test sheds light on prostate cancer

Published on Monday 18 May 2009 22:02

MEN could be tested for prostate cancer in future from samples of their semen, it was claimed yesterday.

Scientists have developed a new three-minute test for the disease that relies on shining light through fluid from the prostate gland.

At present, the test has to be carried out on biopsy samples obtained by inserting a needle into the prostate.

But experts hope further development will lead to a simple test of semen, half of which is composed of prostate fluid.

Each year, around 35,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK and 10,000 men die from the disease.

There is no national screening programme for prostate cancer, largely due to the lack of a reliable test – the standard PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood marker test often gives false results.

The new test, developed by British and US scientists, including a team from the University of Durham, measures the wavelength of light as it is shone through diluted samples of prostate fluid.