More precise test to spot signs of prostate cancer

SCIENTISTS have developed a more accurate test for prostate cancer, suggests new research.

The test measures levels of citrate, a derivative of citric acid.

Citrate is produced in the prostate and is a key ingredient of semen. Prostate cancer cells don’t make it, so levels are lower when cancer is present. The new research, involving 31 men, found citrate semen tests detected cancer with 74.8 per cent accuracy compared with 54.8 per cent with the standard test, the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, reports the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.