Saliva test to screen for prostate cancer still years away from happening

14 April 2025 

The Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand is warning a saliva test to screen for prostate cancer still has a long way to go before it could even be put in use. 

Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine evaluated the new genetic test, that assesses 130 genetic variants to provide a risk score for prostate cancer, rather than testing for signs of prostate cancer.

“It is very early days with further evidence needed on the saliva test before it can be compared with current screening methods of a PSA blood test and MRI for prostate cancer which focus on detecting aggressive disease” said USANZ Genitourinary (GU) Oncology Special Advisory Group Leader Associate Professor Weranja Ranasinghe. 

“In its current form the saliva test has a number of dangers associated with it. The study shows the saliva test picks up dormant prostate cancers in men who will never have the disease affecting them in their lifetime and exposing a large number of patients to  unnecessary biopsies. It is also worth noting the potential implications of giving your DNA to commercial companies,” said Associate Professor Ranasinghe.

“There is no direct evidence the saliva test improves survival or quality of life so more research is needed which will take years.”  

“Draft national clinical guidelines for the early detection of prostate cancer have been released recommending all baseline testing to men aged over 40 that will mark a major step forward in the early detection of prostate cancer.” 

“Our focus needs to build awareness and using the current methods to their full extent to detect prostate cancer early and has been proven to save lives.” 

“Ten men die in Australia every day from prostate cancer that is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia with 26,000 men diagnosed each year.

About Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand 

The Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand is the peak professional body for urological surgeons in Australia and New Zealand. Urologists are surgeons who treat men, women and children with problems involving the kidney, bladder, prostate and male reproductive organs. These conditions include cancer, stones, infection, incontinence, urination difficulties, sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor problems. 

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