The test uses 150 DNA markers

Saliva can be used to detect prostate cancer, British researchers claim.

They have developed a saliva test, using 150 DNA markers, UPI.com announced.

The team used the test to screen men in the top 10 percent risk group -- 2.7 times greater than the general population -- and the 1 percent with a 5.7 times greater risk.

The researchers compared the DNA of 80,000 prostate cancer patients and 61,000 healthy controls.

Their findings of the study were publishedin the journal Nature Genetics.

The team identified 63 new genetic variations in the DNA code that increase the risk of prostate cancer.