A new way of diagnosing prostate cancer has been discovered by researchers at Dundee University.

An ultrasound process called shear wave elastography is said to be more accurate and reliable in diagnosis, while also being non-invasive and cheaper than methods currently used.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with over 47,000 new cases diagnosed every year.

The most commonly used tests for prostate cancer include the PSA blood test, a physical examination, MRI scans and a biopsy.

Researchers say these methods are "significantly flawed", with each carrying their own problems.

The new technology was able to detect 89% of prostate cancers and could identify more aggressive cancers and those beginning to spread outside the prostate.

Stephen Fry, a former rector of the university who recently revealed he had undergone surgery for prostate cancer, welcomed the news.

"As a proud honorary doctor and one time rector of Dundee University as well as a recent survivor of prostate cancer, it is doubly, triply exciting to hear of the new techniques in diagnostic imaging that have been going on at the famed University of Dundee Medical School," he said.

"Anyone who has been in my position will know that when it comes to this pernicious disease early screening and diagnosis is the absolute key to a successful outcome.

"The news of this breakthrough comes at a time when prostate cancer is being pushed to the forefront of our consciousness in the UK, not least because of the disturbing upward trend in its prevalence.

"So hurrah for Dundee University and Medical School and a huge thank you to Professor Nabi and his team for their work in developing this new weapon in the war against a deadly killer."