Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): What To Think About

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What To Think About

• If a digital rectal exam (DRE) is being done to screen for prostate cancer, the examination may be combined with a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The two tests are often done together to check for prostate cancer. Some organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, advise doctors to offer a DRE and the PSA test to men ages 50 and older. The ACS also recommends offering the tests to younger men who are at higher risk. For more information, see the medical test Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA).
• Other tests may need to be done after a DRE if problems are felt. You may need a test for blood in the stool or a visual examination of the anus and rectum (anoscopy). For more information, see the medical tests Sigmoidoscopy and Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT).
• A transrectal ultrasound and a prostate biopsy may be done if the DRE or PSA test shows that prostate cancer may be present. For more information, see the medical tests Pelvic Ultrasound and Prostate Biopsy.
• DRE alone is not used to check for colorectal cancer. If problems are found during a DRE, more tests may be needed, such as a sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or barium enema. For more information, see the medical tests Sigmoidoscopy, Colonoscopy, or Barium Enema.

Last updated:	November 04, 2008
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
Editors:	Maria Essig, Tracy Landauer