The Future Of Medicine is in DNA Testing

A DNA test can help predict the risks of prostrate cancer. Although not currently available, the latest research by leading genetic and cancer research laboratories from around the world has resulted in a new test that could discover whether men are at risk of prostate cancer. It’s believed that scientists will be able to offer men the DNA test – a move that could save thousands, allowing doctors to monitor those most at risk.

DNA Test Could Help The 10,000 Who Die Each Year

Figures say that out of the 35,000 British men diagnosed every year with the cancer, 10,000 die. It is therefore one of the biggest killers, often undetected because of men’s embarrassment or reluctance to be pro-active with their healthcare. A genetic test however could be the prompt they need to show they have a strong genetic predisposition to prostate cancer. In some cases, a test could result in pre-emptive action being taken, such as the removal of the prostate before the cancer appears.

DNA Test Tackles Cancer

A DNA test could revolutionise how this common cancer is dealt with, helping the lives of thousands of men. Finding ways to manage cancer and of course finding a cure is one of the leading preoccupations for Western science. The test that has been developed is the result of work conducted by 20 leading genetic and cancer research laboratories located around the world. The test involved the study of the 23,000 men from Iceland and a further 15,500 men from Europe and America.

Early Diagnosis

The research into formulating the DNA test revealed that brothers were genetically more at risk than father son relationships. Scientists believed then that a stretch of DNA on the X chromosome was the danger spot. It’s thought that a simple DNA test that can help men identify if they are vulnerable to the disease could be available within three years. And a test will also be able to spot the cancer at its early stages, allowing more time for action to be taken to stop its aggressive spread. It’s thought early detection of the cancer could help tens of thousands of men diagnosed with the cancer to survive.