DRE Exam For Prostate Cancer

Posted on June 6, 2008

So your doctor has suggested you need a DRE (Digital rectum Exam) to see if you have a healthy prostate?

Although somewhat uncomfortable the DRE is a relatively simple test to screen for prostate cancer. Literally millions of me worldwide have this test each year.

The goal of the DRE test is to detect if you have prostate cancer in its early stages, when treatment is most successful.

The digital rectal exam is typically done during a standard physical exam for men.

Why have a DRE?

  • Because your prostate is an internal organ, your doctor cannot look at it directly.
  • But he or she can feel it by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum.
  • It is safer than a prostate biopsy

Who Should Get a Digital Rectal Exam?

To help detect prostate cancer in its early stages, the American Cancer Society advises offering annual screening starting at age 50 to men who have at least a 10 year life expectancy.

They encourage men who are at high risk, such as:

  • African-American men
  • Men with a family history of prostate cancer, such as several relatives with a history of prostate cancer at an early age…

To begin testing each year as soon as you reach 40 years of age.

The American Urological Association agrees that annual screening should begin at age 50 but also encourages men in these two high risk groups to begin screening at age 40 as opposed to 45.

What Happens DURING a Digital Rectal Exam?

  1. Your doctor will ask you to lay on your side with your knees pulled up towards your chest.
  2. He or she will then insert a gloved finger into your rectum and feel the prostate for hard, lumpy, or abnormal areas.
  3. You may feel some discomfort during the test. But it generally only takes a few minutes to complete.
  4. If you are nervous, make a point of telling your doctor.

What Happens AFTER the Digital Rectal Exam?

  1. Your doctor will tell you immediately if he or she finds anything unusual.
  2. If they detect a suspicious lump or area during the exam, they will most likely suggest that you have a PSA test to see if your PSA levels are elevated. They might also suggest
  3. An ultrasound-guided biopsy as the next step.

Although some men find the DRE Test to be uncomfortable and embarrassing it is NOTHING compared to the possible alternatives you may face if you ignore your doctors advice.

Get the Test Done.

  • Do it for your family.
  • Do it for yourself.
  • Do it for the people that love you
  • Do it for the people that YOU love

It could just save your life!

Chris Bloor invites you to discover essential prostate facts vital to your health at http://www.ProstateSecretsReport.com where you can watch a free video of his own shocking prostate story

Article Author :Chris_A_Bloor

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