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Test spots prostate danger

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A simple test that measures PSA density can help identify men at high risk of life-threatening prostate cancer, says a study by Oregon scientists.

PSA density compares levels of a cancer-related protein called prostate-specific antigen to the size of a man's prostate, the Associated Press reported.

This study of 511 men found that those with the highest PSA densities were much more likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer than men with the lowest PSA densities.

After two years, 23 percent of the men with the highest PSA densities had developed prostate cancer, compared with 4 percent of those with the lowest densities. After four years, the rates were 36 percent and 9 percent, respectively, the AP reported.

The study was recently presented at a cancer conference in Florida. If further studies confirm the validity of this test, it could help save lives and reduce the need for repeated prostate biopsies, the researchers said. – (HealthDayNews)

February 2007

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