I am 73 and visit my family doctor each 6 months after lab results are in for that visit. He tests PSA (once a year) but does not do the DRE check on my prostate. I asked him once and he did do it. So,I also regularly visit a Urologist for the DRE.

My question is whether my family doctor, who seems uneasy or reluctant to perform a DRE, is he skilled enough when he does do it to really know what he is feeling for a diagnosis? Each doctor is different, but should I see a Urologist regularly for the DRE?

Comments appreciated.

V.

A recommended basic Prostate exam includes BOTH a PSA blood test and DRE (Digital Rectal Exam). The APPARENT reluctance of your family physician (general practicioner) to do a DRE is unfortunate and the reason for it should be discussed with him. If this attitude persists and negates the performance of a sound exam, I would suggest continuing to see the Urologist for the Prostate Exam. For efficiency, you may wish to schedule such an exam immediately following the receipt of the PSA result, a copy of which you should obtain, so this information is available at the time of the Urologist performed DRE.

You are approaching the age (75-80 y/o) when many physicians believe the PSA test may be discontinued, since the risk/reward ratio tends to become unbalanced with increasing decades of aging. If you are otherwise healthy, however, you should continue, at least, until 75, at which point you might wish to discuss with the Urologist whether such annual exams remain necessary and recommended. I am an informed layman but I am not a Physician. Good Luck! - John@newPCa.org

I am 51 years old and my gp told me that I had an "abnormal" dre- prostate felt lumpy. Am awaiting psa results and have been referred to a urologist. Question- how accurate is the dre in uncovering cancerous growths? Are there other non-cancerous conditions that might feel the same- she mentioned something about blocked ducts. My question is- what is the percentage of "abnormal dres" that actually lead to a diagnosis of prostate cancer?