If you’re 50 or older, it’s time to talk to your doctor about whether you should get a prostate exam. Sure, the idea of it can feel uncomfortable or even embarrassing. But avoiding it may mean missing the chance to detect prostate problems early — when treatment is most effective.
During a prostate exam, your doctor will manually check the prostate gland — a walnut-sized organ that surrounds the urethra — to look for signs of prostate cancer or enlargement. The exam is quick, straightforward, and often provides valuable information about your health.
The prostate exam is one of the most common ways to screen for prostate cancer and other prostate conditions. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, and while it often grows slowly, some types can spread aggressively. Detecting changes in the prostate before symptoms worsen can make a big difference in outcomes.
A prostate exam isn’t just about cancer. It can also help diagnose benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, which is very common in men as they age.
Sometimes, the signs of prostate trouble show up before your annual check-up. If you’ve noticed any of the following, it may be time to ask about a prostate exam:
These symptoms are common in men with an enlarged prostate but can also overlap with other prostate issues.
RELATED: Signs You May Have an Enlarged Prostate
Not long ago, doctors recommended that every man over 50 get a yearly digital rectal exam (DRE). That has changed. Today, the American Cancer Society recommends individualized decisions. Instead of a blanket guideline, men are encouraged to discuss the prostate exam with their doctors and weigh the benefits and risks.
Why? Prostate cancer often grows slowly. In some cases, treatment may cause more problems than the disease itself. The key is deciding — with your doctor’s guidance — whether a prostate exam makes sense for you.
The prostate exam requires little preparation. Still, a few steps can help:
The digital rectal exam is quick, typically lasting less than a minute. Here’s what happens:
A smooth, normal-sized prostate is usually a sign of good health. A lump, hard area, or overall enlargement may indicate the need for further testing.
While the prostate exam is useful, many doctors also recommend the PSA blood test. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate, and high levels can indicate cancer, BPH, or infection.
The PSA test is generally more effective than the digital rectal exam in detecting cancer, but many doctors use both together for a clearer picture.
RELATED: 8 Ways You Can Prevent Prostate Cancer
Finding a lump during a prostate exam doesn’t automatically mean cancer. In fact, about half of all suspicious bumps turn out to be harmless.
If your prostate exam and PSA test suggest cancer may be present, your doctor will likely order a biopsy. A biopsy takes a small tissue sample for closer examination under a microscope — the only way to confirm whether cancer is present.
The prostate exam may not be the highlight of your annual check-up, but it could be one of the most important. For some men, it offers peace of mind. For others, it’s the first step toward diagnosing a problem that might otherwise go unnoticed.
If you’re 50 or older — or 45 if you’re Black or have a family history of prostate cancer — ask your doctor whether a prostate exam is right for you. It only takes a minute, but it could have a lasting impact on your health.
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