There are many prostate cancer tests available in the market, but a new research has found that these tests fail to accurately reveal the severity of the disease in as many as 50% of the cases. This has led researchers from the University of Cambridge to call for better tests to define the nature of the cancer.

To reach at the above given result, the study researchers have graded 847 men's cancer before and after they had surgery, between 2007 and 2011. It was found that 209 out of the 415 were initially told that their cancer was slow-growing. But in reality it was found to be more aggressive than stated.

In fact, 33% of the 415 cases saw a spread of the disease beyond the prostate. Study author Greg Shaw said it was quite shocking to see huge number of men who were not properly diagnosed in the first time.

"Our results show that the severity of up to half of men's prostate cancers may be underestimated when relying on tests before they have surgery", affirmed Shaw. The study results are clear indicator of the need for better tests that could define the aggressiveness level of prostate cancer.

Researchers said the new test can be based on diagnostic tests like MRI scans and new biopsy techniques that help in more accurately defining the extent of the prostate cancer. Shaw said with improved test, they would also be in a better position to know that whether the cancer needs active surveillance or not.

It is not always necessary that active surveillance is safe for every man. Better methods will avoid men to unnecessarily undergo treatment.