By By Kev Hedges Mar 1, 2011 in Health Guildford - Scientists at the University of Surrey have developed a unique urine test, which is twice as effective at diagnosing cancer that has developed in the prostate than the current prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. Position showing the area where the prostate gland can be found. National Cancer Institute The three-year study shows that the protein is secreted into urine, where it then can be easily detected by a simple test that could take place in any doctor's surgery. The current PSA test, which has been used for the last thirty years, takes a blood sample but is unable to detect a significant proportion of early prostate cancers, according to the However according to a report in the Telegraph, most men are unaware that the PSA test even exists. It reports that Medical doctor, scientist and television presenter, Dr Robert Winston said, "This is an exciting discovery which advances the early detection of this cancer. It also shows just how vital the research carried out in universities such as Surrey really is in helping to find faster, better solutions to some of the healthcare challenges that face us all." E-N-2 is one of a number of genes that are involved in the development of the early embryo. It is present in prostate tumours and is actively secreted from these tumours. It could be that the test may lead to national screening as it is now better than the screening methods for breast and cervical cancers. The new findings are poignant as this month, March 2011, is The findings are being hailed as a major breakthrough in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer in men. The urine test is so accurate it could be in use to screen all men over 50 within twelve months. Scientists have found a protein called E-N-2, which is only produced by prostate cancer cells. The new test identifies E-N-2, and detects 60 to 70 per cent of cancers.The three-year study shows that the protein is secreted into urine, where it then can be easily detected by a simple test that could take place in any doctor's surgery. The current PSA test, which has been used for the last thirty years, takes a blood sample but is unable to detect a significant proportion of early prostate cancers, according to the Prostate Project . PSA testing detects fewer than 40 per cent of cancers and has a false positive rate of over 50 per cent. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men and kills more than 10,000 in the UK every year.However according to a report in the Telegraph, most men are unaware that the PSA test even exists. It reports that ten per cent of all doctors do not give patients the opportunity or recommendation to take the test.Medical doctor, scientist and television presenter, Dr Robert Winston said, "This is an exciting discovery which advances the early detection of this cancer. It also shows just how vital the research carried out in universities such as Surrey really is in helping to find faster, better solutions to some of the healthcare challenges that face us all."E-N-2 is one of a number of genes that are involved in the development of the early embryo. It is present in prostate tumours and is actively secreted from these tumours. It could be that the test may lead to national screening as it is now better than the screening methods for breast and cervical cancers.The new findings are poignant as this month, March 2011, is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month More about Prostate cancer, University of Surrey, reliable test More news from Prostate cancer University of Surrey reliable test