A groundbreaking at-home saliva test may soon offer a more accurate way to identify men at high risk for prostate cancer, potentially leading to earlier detection and better treatment outcomes.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, following skin cancer. Despite its prevalence, there is no standardized screening method. Currently, doctors rely on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests or rectal exams, both of which often require follow-up testing before a diagnosis can be confirmed.
While PSA tests detect a protein produced by the prostate, elevated levels do not necessarily indicate cancer, making the test less reliable as a standalone diagnostic tool.
A Genetic Approach to Early Detection
Unlike PSA tests, the new saliva-based screening examines DNA, searching for small genetic changes linked to prostate cancer. Clinical trials suggest that this method is more effective in identifying men at high risk, offering a clearer distinction between aggressive cancer and benign prostate conditions.
Additionally, the saliva test produced fewer false positives compared to PSA tests while also detecting a higher number of aggressive cancers—cases that are fast-growing and more likely to spread. Though not yet available for commercial use, the results highlight its potential as a valuable screening tool.
“Right now, there’s no reliable method to detect aggressive prostate cancer, but this study brings us a step closer to finding the disease sooner in those who need treatment,” said Naser Turabi, director of Evidence and Implementation at Cancer Research UK.
Experts see genetic testing as a promising avenue for more personalized prostate cancer screening. However, further research is needed to confirm whether this approach can significantly improve survival rates before it becomes widely available.
Why Early Detection Matters
Prostate cancer is highly treatable when caught early, with a five-year survival rate exceeding 99%, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. However, if the disease spreads beyond the prostate, it becomes far more dangerous, often affecting the bones, lungs, lymph nodes, liver, or brain.
A recent study involving 6,000 European men between 55 and 69 utilized saliva samples to calculate polygenic risk scores (PRS), which analyze 130 genetic variations linked to prostate cancer. The results suggest that genetic screening may provide a more precise risk assessment than current testing methods.
Who Is Most at Risk?
As with many cancers, certain factors increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. The average age of diagnosis is 67, and cases are rare in men under 40. Additionally, African American men and Caribbean men of African ancestry face a higher risk.
Other contributing factors include obesity, family history of cancer, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, and even above-average height, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
With ongoing advancements in genetic research, tools like the saliva test may soon revolutionize prostate cancer screening, offering a faster and more accurate way to detect the disease in its early stages—when it is most treatable.