Genetic test can gauge prostate cancer risk level

A genetic test to gauge the aggressiveness of prostate cancer may help tens of thousands of men each year decide whether they need to treat their cancer right away or can safely monitor it.

The test joins another one that recently came on the market. Both analyse multiple genes in a biopsy sample and give a score for aggressiveness, similar to tests used now for certain breast and colon cancers.

Doctors say such tests have the potential to curb a major problem in cancer care — over-treatment.