Researchers have designed a urine test through which, they claim, prostate cancer can easily be detected and size of tumors can also be revealed so that doctors clearly know whether to operate. The test will be made available within 18 months.

The test is designed by Richard Morgan, a professor of the University of Bradford, in collaboration with Hardve Pandha, a professor of the University of Surrey. It is currently being developed by Randox Laboratories.

According to its makers, it works very similar to a regular pregnancy test and is meant to detect the presence of a certain protein known as N2, which is produced by the malignant tumors.

As per experts, when the size of the tumor increases, the amount of N2 present in the urine may also be elevated. Based on the results of the urine tests a doctor can clearly know if the patient has a prostate cancer and the possible size of the tumor, and can decide whether to suggest surgery or not.

As per records, prostate cancer, which affects 200,000 men in the United States, is usually slow growing. It may take at least a decade time for the symptoms to appear. It also has a high survival rate compared to other forms of cancer.

The American Cancer Society reported that over 2 million men with the disease continue to live today. Further, the survival rate is almost 100% for local cancer and regional metastases.

Presently there is also a prostate cancer marker test known as PSA assay, which can help in diagnosis of the disease. But it doesn't reveal the size of the tumor.