Increase text size: A A A

Type in the condition you need,
or visit Advanced Search

Print this page

Email this to a friend

Comment on this page

Save to my Health Library

Johns Hopkins Health Alert

The DRE -- Don't Skip It

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts | Prostate Disorders | DRE Test for Prostate Cancer

  • The DRE exam is an essential screening tool for prostate cancer.

Because the prostate gland cannot be seen or felt externally, your doctor will regularly perform a digital rectal examination (DRE) to assess its size, shape, and consistency. A DRE is among the steps necessary to diagnose benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. In tandem with prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing, the DRE exam is also an essential screening tool for prostate cancer.

The American Cancer Society and American Urology Association recommend that all men over age 50 have a DRE (along with a PSA test) once a year—and earlier if they are at high risk for prostate cancer.

Despite this recommendation, a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that only 47% of 588 men who underwent PSA testing also had a DRE performed. Skipping a DRE means that many men with prostate cancer and a normal PSA result will go undiagnosed.

Some men avoid getting a DRE because they feel uncomfortable about the procedure—but it is not painful and lasts less than a minute. During a DRE, the patient either bends forward over the examination table, lies on his side, or kneels on the table. The doctor then inserts a gloved, lubricated finger a few inches into the rectum and gently palpates the prostate gland to feel for a nodule or lump, change in size, hard tissue, or any other abnormality that might indicate a tumor is present.

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts | Prostate Disorders | DRE Test for Prostate Cancer

Posted in Prostate Disorders on July 14, 2006
Reviewed July 2009

Notify Me

Would you like us to inform you when we post new Prostate Disorders Health Alerts?

Your email address:

Comments

Post a Comment

Health Alerts registered users may post comments and share experiences here at their own discretion. We regret that questions on individual health concerns to the Johns Hopkins editors cannot be answered in this space.

The views expressed here do not constitute medical advice, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins Medicine or MediZine LLC, which has no responsibility for any comments posted on this site.


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.

Posted by: V | August 4, 2006

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

Posted by: john@newPCa.org | November 20, 2006

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?

Posted by: ejs | January 2, 2007



Post a Comment


New to the Johns Hopkins Health Alerts?
Signup

User Name:


This appears next to your comment.


Email Address:

(this will not be posted)
This will be your login ID.

Password:

Confirm Password:


Receive Health Alerts?

Notify me when new comments are posted?

Comment (offensive materials and/or spam will be removed, no HTML allowed)

Already a subscriber?
Login

Email:

Password:


Forgot your password?

(800) 829-0422

Registered Users Log-in:

Email:

Password:

Remember me
Forgot Password?

Become a Registered User!
It's fast and FREE!
The Benefits of Being A Registered User

Health Topic Pages

Arthritis +Add
Back Pain & Osteoporosis +Add
Cancer
Caregivers | Caregiving
Colon Cancer +Add
Complementary Medicine
Depression & Anxiety +Add
Diabetes +Add
Digestive Health +Add
Enlarged Prostate +Add
Exercise and Fitness
Healthy Living +Add
Heart Health +Add
Hypertension & Stroke +Add
Lung Disorders +Add
Memory +Add
Men's Health
Nutrition +Add
Prescription Drugs +Add
Prostate Disorders +Add
Sexual Health
Vision +Add
Weight Control +Add
Women's Health
Health Alert Special Report


Johns Hopkins' Bestsellers

Prostate Disorders

Our Featured Titles:

Johns Hopkins Prostate Disorders White Paper
  • The Johns Hopkins Prostate Disorders White Paper 2009
    Features Prostate Cancer, BPH (enlarged prostate), PSA testing, prostate biopsy, prostatitis, and more.
    PLUS, get your special discount and FREE Special Report: Prostate Power through this exclusive web-only offer.
    Read more or order the INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD EDITION
    Read more or order the PRINT EDITION
  • The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin Cover

    The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin
    The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin
    is a quarterly publication that presents the latest treatment information available on prostate cancer, enlarged prostate (BPH), and prostatitis to help you take charge of your medical care for prostate disease. Each issue is like having an in-depth consultation with a leading specialist. PLUS, subscribe now and get a special discount PLUS 5 FREE Special Reports as INSTANT PDF DOWNLOADS:

    • Special Report #1: BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
    • Special Report #2: Diet and Prostate Health
    • Special Report #3: Treating Overactive Bladder
    • Special Report #4: Chronic Prostatitis: New Research, Renewed Hope
    • Special Report #5: The Radical Prostatectomy

    Click here to read more or order The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin.


    Related Titles:


    THE JOHNS HOPKINS PROSTATE LIBRARY

    A series of cutting-edge publications designed to address your specific prostate questions.

    • ChoosingThe Right Treatment For Your Prostate Cancer
      You have hundreds of questions about your prostate cancer. America's #1 Urology Center's specialists have the answers.ChoosingThe Right Treatment For Your Prostate Cancer is a detailed, up-to-the-minute treatment guide so you can know all your options before making any irrevocable decisions about your prostate cancer treatment. Read more...


    ALL NEW!Number One of America's Best Hospitals 2009: Johns Hopkins

    The Johns Hopkins Hospital has been ranked #1 again in the Honor Roll of America's Best Hospitals by
    U.S. News and World Report for the 19th consecutive year.


    Please visit here for more information about Johns Hopkins Patient Services


    Medical Disclaimer: The information on thispage is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician.


    Charter Subscription to The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin

    PLUS 5 FREE Special Reports, available right now as INSTANT PDF DOWNLOADS

    The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin

    The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin brings you up-to-the-minute information about the latest advances in prostate medicine, from the very experts at the forefront of life-saving discoveries in this vital field. From prostate cancer, and prostate surgery and common side effects such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence, to prostatitis, to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) to Prostate Cancer, The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin provides the most cutting–edge information for men (and their loved ones!) facing these health challenges. It's like having an in-depth consultation from a specialist from America's #1 medical center.

    ADDED BONUS: FREE SPECIAL REPORTS!

    Click here for details:

    Prostate Cancer Information Yes! Enter my charter subscription to The Johns Hopkins PROSTATE BULLETIN on a risk-FREE basis at the charter subscription rate of $149 for one year (4 quarterly issues)—that's a discount of $46 off the regular subscription price thanks to this web-only offer.

    TO ACCEPT THIS RISK-FREE OFFER,
    simply fill out the form and click "Submit my order."

    First Name

    Last Name

    Address

    Address2

    City

    State

    Zip

    Email Address (required)


    CANADIAN ORDERS, click here
    INTERNATIONAL ORDERS, click here


    Please send me my FREE Johns Hopkins Prostate Health Alerts via email.


    What you will get with your subscription to The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin.
    In every issue of your Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin, you'll receive:

  • Quarterly briefings on the latest medical developments
  • Late breaking news of innovative new treatments and essential health study results
  • Expert evaluations and comparisons of new medications, surgical techniques, and diagnostic procedures
  • Authoritative medical guidance from leading experts around the world
  • At least one in-depth Special Report or update on the most important breakthroughs in prostate cancer, BPH, ED, LUTS, or prostatitis.
  • Answers to your most pressing questions about your prostate disorders in the Grand Rounds section
  • ALL delivered direct to you.

    As soon as you place your order, you will also receive your five FREE Prostate Disorders Special Reports as INSTANT PDF DOWNLOADS, so you can start using the information you learn right away in your quest for answers about your medical condition and how best to treat it.
    * Prostate Bulletin Special Report #1: BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
    * Prostate Bulletin Special Report #2: Diet and Prostate Health
    * Prostate Bulletin Special Report #3: Treating Overactive Bladder
    * Prostate Bulletin Special Report #4: Chronic Prostatitis: New Research, Renewed Hope
    * Prostate Bulletin Special Report #5: The Radical Prostatectomy

    Your risk-FREE subscription and 100% money-back guarantee. The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin is yours to review risk-FREE. If you are not completely satisfied, simply return the Bulletin and receive a refund with no questions asked. Keep the five Prostate Disorders Special Reports just for reviewing the Bulletin.

    Only by private subscription. Don't bother looking for The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin on the newsstand. It is available only by private subscription, delivered directly to you quarterly.

    Why Johns Hopkins?


  • © 2009 MediZine LLC. All rights reserved.
    Contact Us
    customerservice@johnshopkinshealthalerts.com