In a breakthrough that could transform men’s health across Kenya, researchers have unveiled a simple at-home saliva test that can accurately detect a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer potentially long before symptoms appear, this is according to ecancer.

This revolutionary test offers new hope in the fight against a disease that continues to be one of the leading cancer-related killers among Kenyan men. Developed by scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research in the UK, the test doesn’t require a hospital visit or invasive procedures. Instead, it uses a small sample of saliva to analyze DNA and calculate a man’s genetic risk for prostate cancer right from the comfort of his home.

Smarter than PSA

For years, prostate cancer screening has relied heavily on the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. While helpful, the PSA test has long been criticized for its inaccuracy, often producing false positives or missing aggressive cancers altogether.

But this new saliva test? It’s better and offers more accuracy.

In a study of more than 6,000 men between the ages of 55 and 69, the saliva test detected a higher number of aggressive cancers than the PSA test and it did so with fewer false positives. Most notably, 63% of the men diagnosed using the saliva test had PSA levels that would have been considered “normal,” meaning the blood test would’ve missed them entirely.

The test works by calculating what’s called a polygenic risk score essentially analyzing over 130 genetic variants that are associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer. It then determines whether a man is at low, medium, or high risk, allowing doctors to prioritize those who truly need further testing or treatment.

Why this matters for Kenya

Kenya faces a growing prostate cancer burden. Late diagnoses and limited access to regular screening have contributed to high mortality rates, particularly in rural areas. For many Kenyan men, traveling to a hospital for a PSA test or even knowing when to do so just isn’t practical.

That’s why this saliva test could be a game-changer.

It’s easy to use, non-invasive, and can be administered at home. The potential impact in Kenya is massive: early detection means earlier treatment, which in turn leads to better outcomes and lives saved.

What comes next

With the saliva test already showing impressive results in research trials, the next step is to bring it to the masses. Health experts are hopeful that, with proper support and rollout, this innovation will become a key part of national screening strategies, particularly in under-resourced regions.

The message is clear: early detection saves lives and sometimes, all it takes is a spit.

Fast Facts: Prostate Cancer in Kenya

-Prostate cancer is one of the top three cancers affecting Kenyan men.

-Many cases are detected late due to limited access to screening.

-African men are at a higher genetic risk for aggressive prostate cancer.

The Bottom Line: Kenya may be on the brink of a diagnostic revolution one that begins not in a hospital, but with a simple spit test.

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