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A new test for prostate cancer has been approved for use in the UK which could ultimately replace the current method of diagnosing this type of cancer.  The new test measures a genetic chemical which transfers DNA coding from the PCA3 gene.  Elevated levels of this chemical indicates that prostate cancer is present. The test is called the Progensa PCA3.

The current test for prostate cancer is called the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test.  The PSA test looks for a protein that leaks from the prostate gland when cancer is present but the results can be inaccurate which causes a lot of stress for the patient while he awaits the results of the biopsy which has to be performed to confirm whether or not cancer is actually present.  Certain medications, such as Propecia, can mask the real levels of PSA so your doctor should be aware of any medications that you are taking so that the results of a PSA test can be read within context.

Around 35,000 men a year are diagnosed with prostate cancer so anything that can make the detection easier and the tests more reliable must be a good thing.  The new test costs around £200 compared with £10 for a PSA test so it is unlikely that the NHS will be providing this test on a generalised basis immediately but patients should be aware of it and might be able to request it where prostate cancer is suspected by the GP.