Rectal examinations for prostate cancer could miss early cases of the disease. That is according to a research paper that has just been released.
A digital rectal examination involves a medical professional inserting a finger up a man’s bottom to check the prostate gland for unusual swelling or lumps that may indicate cancer. In the UK, there is no national screening programme for prostate cancer and some men are given these rectal checks.
Another test which may be offered to NHS patients is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. A raised PSA level in the blood may suggest a problem with the prostate, but does not always indicate cancer.
