Beyond taking saw palmetto, how can patients improve their chances of surviving prostate cancer? Genetic analysis may hold the answer. A recent study has associated the discovery of three small genetic markers in men with the increased risk of developing the disease.

Published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, the paper determined that single-nucleotide changes near three genes known for their connection to prostate cancer may, if found in a man’s DNA, indicate that he has a greater chance of prostatic tumor growth.

A nucleotide is a single link in the chain of molecules that makes up DNA. The study found three separate nucleotides that, when mutated, indicated a greater likelihood that a man would test positive for elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen, a protein that can point to the presence of abnormal prostate cell growth.

The study concluded that genetic testing for these single-nucleotide changes may be able to better assess the risk of prostate cancer.

In addition to traditional medical treatments, alternative medicines like saw palmetto supplements may be able to improve overall prostate health and reduce inflammation.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men after skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.