Prostate Surgery Center

by Brandon Cornett

For men who are educating themselves about prostate cancer, the methods for detecting prostate cancer should be at the top of the list. After all, detecting prostate cancer is the first step to identifying its presence, and only then can treatment begin.

The DRE Test for Prostate Cancer

In males, the prostate is a sex gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The location of the prostate enables doctors to check the size and condition of the gland by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum. This is one of the most common methods for detecting prostate cancer. It is also a method for detecting benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as enlarged prostate.

This commonly used exam is known as the digital rectal exam, or DRE. In this context, “digital” refers to the use of a digit, or finger, to perform the exam. The DRE has long been a method for detecting signs of prostate cancer, and it will likely remain a commonly used method for the years to come.

The PSA Test for Prostate Cancer

Since its FDA approval in 1985, another method for detecting prostate cancer has been in use. It is a test for the prostate specific antigen, commonly referred to as the PSA test. This test seeks to detect prostate cancer my monitoring the blood for prostate specific antigens, or PSA. An increased level of PSA in the blood could be a sign of prostate cancer. There is actually quite a lot of medical media attention over PSA tests as a method for detecting prostate cancer, because many experts hail the test as a revolutionary advancement in the screening of patients for cancer.

Since the first PSA test was approved by the FDA in 1985, several companies have gone on to produce similar tests of their own. As a result, there are now several approved PSA tests available to doctors and patients.

Conclusion

The digital rectal exam (DRE) and the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test are the two common methods for detecting prostate cancer in patients. The PSA test is becoming increasingly popular and has been hailed as a significant medical advancement in cancer screening. Detecting prostate cancer early on is the key to treating prostate cancer. So you should always follow your physician’s advice on when to start prostate cancer screening tests.

Learn more about detecting prostate cancer:
Early Prostate Cancer Q&A (Cancer.gov)

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