Tests for prostate cancer

A digital rectal examination (DRE)

The doctor inserts a gloved finger into your rectum (back passage) to feel the prostate. This is a good way of finding advanced cancers, but overall it will detect less than half of all prostate cancers. It may be uncomfortable, but it's quick and shouldn't be painful.

The PSA test

This is a blood test|. A small sample of blood is taken from your arm using a needle and syringe.

Transrectal ultrasound scan (TRUS)

Ultrasound scans use sound waves to build up a picture of the inside of the body. A small probe is passed into the rectum and an image of the prostate appears on a screen. This type of scan is used to measure the size of the prostate. A sample of cells (biopsy) can be taken at the same time (see below). The scan may be uncomfortable but it only takes a few minutes.

Transrectal needle biopsy of the prostate

A biopsy is usually done at the same time as an ultrasound (see above).  This involves putting a plastic probe into the rectum and passing a needle through the wall of the rectum to take a sample from the prostate. The doctors will then examine the sample for cancer cells using a microscope. This is how doctors can tell for certain if you have prostate cancer, usually after a PSA test and rectal examination.

We have more information about the PSA test| and transrectal needle biopsies|.