1.2 Digital Rectal Exam What is a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)? Doctors use a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) to screen for cancer. This procedure is completed to examine the health of the prostate gland and to check for abnormalities and prostate cancer. The prostate can be felt through the side of the rectal wall. Please note that not all parts of the prostate can be felt on this exam.
What can you expect with a DRE? A DRE is an in-office examination where your doctor or nurse gently inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the anus to estimate the size of the prostate and feel for lumps or other abnormalities. Due to the additional pressure on the prostate, some men may feel discomfort or the urge to urinate during the exam. If the PSA or DRE tests are suspicious for prostate cancer, your primary care doctor will likely refer you to a urologist who will request further testing, such as prostate biopsy and/or imaging.
