Test Claims to Detect Prostate Cancer in 15 Minutes or Less

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Facts

Researchers at Aston University, Birmingham, have reportedly developed a new test that could detect prostate cancer in less than 15 minutes and with up to 90% accuracy.^[1]
The test is 'a substantial leap forward in personalised medicine and oncology,' said Igor Meglinski of the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies.^[2]
While the non-invasive technique relies on dried blood samples, making it less traumatic and risky, Meglinski said further and larger clinical trials are needed.^[3]
The technique, reportedly being dubbed a breakthrough, was developed through a study involving 108 men — some of whom were healthy and some who had prostate cancer.^[4]
The new polarization-based image reconstruction test analyzed how proteins in dry blood smears change their three-dimensional shape and combine in the disease's early stages.^[3]
This comes as earlier this year, researchers from London's Institute of Cancer Research reported a saliva test to identify those with high prostate cancer risk.^[5]

Narrative A, as provided by Horizon Magazine. Early detection is crucial in the fight against prostate cancer. This is particularly beneficial for younger men, as prostate cancer symptoms appear once the disease has progressed. Screening allows for earlier diagnosis, which can significantly improve survival chances. Combined with improvements to existing cancer screening programs, this breakthrough could help save many lives.
Narrative B, as provided by Washington Post. Despite major advances in cancer treatment and declining mortality rates, fear of cancer remains stubbornly high. The disease evokes deep-seated fears about pain, suffering, and dying. This fear often leads to unnecessary procedures and treatments, including when more research is necessary. Very fortunately, cancer is no longer the death sentence it once was.