DHAKA: Prostate cancer may be a sexually transmitted disease caused by a common yet often silent infection passed on during intercourse, scientists say, but experts say proof is still lacking.

Although several cancers are caused by infections, Cancer Research UK says it is too early to add prostate cancer to this list, reports the BBC.

The University of California scientists tested human prostate cells in the lab.

They found a sex infection called trichomoniasis aided cancer growth.

More research is now needed to confirm the link, they say in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Trichomoniasis is believed to infect some 275 million people worldwide and is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection.

Often, a person will have no symptoms and be unaware that they have it.

Men may feel itching or irritation inside the penis, burning after urination or ejaculation, or a white discharge from the penis.

Women may notice itching or soreness of the genitals, discomfort with urination, or a discharge with an unpleasant fishy smell.

BDST: 1230 HRS, MAY 20, 2014