"Scientists have developed a spit test that could identify the men most at risk of developing prostate cancer. By testing a mans DNA researchers can look for genes linked to the disease which one in seven men in the Western world will be diagnosed with in their lifetime.   Scientists in the U.K. and U.S. who helped piece together the study published in Nature Genetics https found  new gene variants linked to prostate cancer. This was achieved by assessing the DNA of  prostate cancer patients and  men without the disease.  The resulting test hones in on these and the existing  known markers to pinpoint the  percent of men who are at six times greater risk of developing the condition and the  percent of men who have a threefold greater risk of developing the disease a study author told The Guardian https The new method is being trialed on  men in doctors offices across London and is due to be expanded to  next year according to BBC News https  If it is found to be effective it could be an important tool for physicians. Although prostate cancer is the second leading cause https of cancer death in the U.S. after lung few risk factors have been found and it is difficult to accurately diagnose.  Most men with prostate cancer do not experience symptoms. Doctors can use the prostatespecific antigen PSA blood test to detect protein produced by prostate and cancerous cells respectively. But as these antigens can be present in men without the cancer it carries a risk of returning a false positive httpsprostatecanceruk.orgprostateinformationprostatetestspsatest that can kickstart unnecessary lifechanging treatment. Rectal examinations and biopsies are also used to test for the disease.  According to the American Cancer Society over  new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year and around  people die of the disease https The condition is rare in those below the age of  older men and AfricanAmericans are most at risk. The majority of cases are caught at around .  Rosalind Eeles an author of the study at the U.K.based Institute of Cancer Research ICR who specializes in finding genetic variants that increase the risk of prostate cancer told The Guardian the team is excited by the test because it can be used by doctors to offer patients targeted screenings. Carl Alexander a spokesman from the charity Cancer Research UK said This study is an exciting example of how research can find clues in our genes to help us uncover those more likely to develop the disease. The next steps should be to understand how this research can be developed into tests that could identify men who might be more likely to develop aggressive cancers and how this could be rolled out to patients. Dr. Iain Frame the director of research at the charity Prostate Cancer UK highlighted that men with a family history of prostate cancer are twoandahalf times more likely to be diagnosed with the disease compared to a man with no family history. With Fathers Day fast approaching use it as an opportunity to ask your dad your brother your uncle your friends about their risk of prostate cancer. Its a conversation that could save their life he said."