What To Think About

• If a digital rectal exam (DRE) is being done to screen for prostate cancer, the examination may be combined with a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The two tests are often done together to check for prostate cancer. For more information, see the topic Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA).
• Other tests may need to be done after a DRE if problems are felt. You may need a test for blood in the stool or a visual examination of the anus and rectum (anoscopy). For more information, see the topics Sigmoidoscopy and Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT).
• A transrectal ultrasound and a prostate biopsy may be done if the DRE or PSA test shows that prostate cancer may be present. For more information, see the topics Pelvic Ultrasound and Prostate Biopsy.
• DRE alone is not used to check for colorectal cancer. If problems are found during a DRE, more tests may be needed, such as a sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or stool test. For more information, see the topics Sigmoidoscopy, Colonoscopy, or Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT).