In a groundbreaking development, a new at-home spit test for prostate cancer is set to revolutionise early diagnosis for thousands of men, including Black men who have historically been excluded from such tests. The National Health Service (NHS) is embarking on a £2 million trial of this innovative saliva test, led by researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research. The trial aims to determine if the test can accelerate prostate cancer diagnoses.
Unlike the standard blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), spit tests analyse DNA from saliva to calculate the risk of prostate cancer. These tests have shown a higher level of accuracy, particularly for men at a high risk of developing the disease. Individuals identified as high-risk through the spit test will be recommended for further screening to confirm the diagnosis.
Previously, the original saliva test trialled in 2016 was limited to white individuals of European descent due to a lack of genetic data for Black and Asian men, despite Black men being twice as likely to develop prostate cancer. Dr Elizabeth Bancroft, Nurse Consultant in Oncogenetics Research, emphasised the significance of this breakthrough, highlighting that historical genetic research had predominantly focused on white European ancestry.
Moving forward, an emphasis has been placed on increasing genetic diversity in research to ensure the accuracy of tests across different ethnicities. Dr Bancroft acknowledged the historical biases in research and underscored the importance of inclusivity in medical studies to address disparities in healthcare.
The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, aims to detect prostate cancer at an earlier stage, potentially saving lives and reducing the burden on the NHS. Health Secretary Wes Streeting praised the test as the “holy grail for the future of healthcare,” recognising its potential to identify up to 12,350 individuals earlier, thereby improving outcomes.
Black men, who face a heightened risk of and earlier diagnoses for prostate cancer, are often diagnosed at later stages due to various factors, including lack of awareness and healthcare discrimination. The new study plans to recruit 1,000 men from diverse ethnic backgrounds, aged between 40 and 55, with the goal of implementing the spit test as a routine NHS screening tool if successful.
Dr Naomi Elster, Director of Research and Communications at Prostate Cancer Research, highlighted the importance of developing less invasive and more accurate diagnostic tools for prostate cancer to benefit a wider demographic. This initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to early detection and treatment for all individuals at risk of prostate cancer.