- Amy Thomas & Laura Meyer
- BBC Wales
image source, Getty Images
A new blood test could help detect prostate cancer by checking blood sugar levels
People without symptoms of prostate cancer can get a life-saving diagnosis with a new test for sugar in the blood.
A Swansea University study is looking at the blood of people with the disease to develop a test for early detection.
Simon Gammon, 62, who was diagnosed with terminal illness, said it could save his life.
According to Prostate Cancer UK, Wales is one of the most affected regions in the UK for late-onset prostate cancer referrals and diagnoses.
In Wales, one in five men with the disease is diagnosed too late to be treated. In London, the figure is one in his eight.
Older men, black men, and men with a family history of the disease are at even greater risk.Prostate Cancer UK funded a project at Swansea University as part of the charity’s Research Innovation Awards (RIA). provided. The Institute of Latest Advances to Beat Prostate Cancer.
Since it is often asymptomatic at first, it is hoped that this will lead to more effective testing and early diagnosis.
Dr. Jason Weber says more noninvasive tests could mean people get diagnoses sooner
Dr Jason Webber has received over £400,000 for research to create a new type of non-invasive blood test.
The project will investigate specific sugars found in the bloodstream of men with prostate cancer to determine a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer and how far it can spread. can be used for inspection.
Once prostate cancer spreads beyond the prostate, it is incurable.
Dr. Weber said it could help cut down on invasive testing.
“The blood sugar levels we’re looking at are not the same sugars and glucose that we consume in food and drink. These sugars are tiny packages that are released intracellularly by prostate cancer cells.” on the surface of extracellular vesicles. It tricks healthy cells into invading and spreads cancer around the body,” he said.
“Early diagnosis is key to treating prostate cancer and one of the things we have learned in recent years.”
image source, Getty Images
Older adults and black men more likely to get prostate cancer
He said this could be particularly beneficial in Wales, where early detection rates are lower than in other parts of the UK.
“We hope that by identifying patients with invasive disease early, we can target them with the correct therapies that allow them to treat their disease,” he said.
“It could have saved my life.”
In 2017, Mr Gammon, from Monmouthshire, was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 56. He had surgery to remove his prostate and everything seemed fine.
However, a few months later, we received word that his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level had started to rise and that the cancer had spread and he was diagnosed with a terminal stage.
He took a trip with a friend and since Covid, he said, “Life just hasn’t been the same since.”
Simon was receiving hormone therapy through his private health insurance, rather than through the NHS’ other methods, and sought to maintain a “positive outlook”.
“I try to be positive and try not to read everything that happens alone.
“Don’t get me wrong, this diagnosis is devastating and will definitely change your life. It changed my life.”
He said the new test could encourage more men to be proactive because he thinks people are embarrassed by anal physical exams.
“Any progress in diagnosing prostate cancer is good,” he said.
“I know the PSA test is unreliable, but this is all I have, but I’m a fan of it until something else happens.
“Had I known what I know now, I would have been tested since I was 50. It would have been discovered earlier and my outlook would have been much better.”
He said more could be done with advertising and increased awareness, but “things are slowly getting approved.”
Dr Matthew Hobbs, Director of Research, Prostate Cancer UK, said: .
“That’s why we’ve invested £3m just in this round of cutting-edge prostate cancer research across the UK.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we have been able to work with some of the best minds in the field and are getting closer every day to achieving this.”
A Welsh government spokesperson said: ‘We are investing heavily in cancer services to improve early detection and provide rapid access to research, treatment and quality care.
“This includes an £86m investment in new cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities and an increase in training locations for more cancer diagnosis and treatment professionals.
“Given that many cases of prostate cancer present with symptoms that are difficult to detect, it is important that those who are concerned or at high risk consult their primary care physician for advice.”
