Prostate Screening

Digital rectal exam (DRE). The doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and feels the prostate to check for anything abnormal.

In the diagram on the left, urine flows normally while, on the right, urine flow is hindered.

Screening involves the detection of cancer through diagnostic test(s) performed before any symptoms occur. There is no standard or routine screening test for prostate cancer. Test for prostate cancer detection are still being tested but, for the time being, the main tests are:

• Digital Rectal Exam - The doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels the prostate through the rectal wall (seen above). The prostate is checked for hard or lumpy areas or anything unusual.
• Blood test for PSA (Prostate-specific Antigen) - A lab checks the level of PSA in a man's blood sample. A high PSA level is commonly caused by BPH ( Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) or inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis). However, high levels of PSA in men also give a possible indication of prostate cancer.

These tests cannot show whether the problem is cancer or a less serious condition. Further tests, according to the outcome of the previous tests, must be performed to detect signs of cancer.

Prostate Cancer Questionnaire