VIDEO: Is The Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) Outdated? | MarkScholzMD | PCRI
A common question in our comments section is whether the digital rectal exam (DRE), also known as the "finger test," is still relevant in 2023. Here, medical oncologist Mark Scholz, MD, argues that the DRE is low-risk and still valuable because it can catch low-PSA-producing cancers that would otherwise go unnoticed. He adds, however, that if a person is totally opposed to having a DRE, they should not let it dissuade them from PSA testing, which is able to detect the lion's share of prostate cancer.
0:06 What is the digital rectal exam (DRE) and do you still perform them?
1:21 When should men start getting a DRE?
1:50 Does prostate cancer tend to grow on the part of the prostate that can be felt via DRE?
3:02 Are DREs good for estimating the size of the prostate?
4:10 Why aren't MRIs just used instead of the DRE?
4:57 Is there any reason to have a DRE after a person has been diagnosed or treated?
5:27 How dangerous is it to forego DRE if a person is doing PSA testing
6:30 What is the proper way to monitor PSA?
Don’t know your stage? Take the quiz: Visit http://www.prostatecancerstaging.org
To learn more about prostate cancer visit http://www.pcri.org
Sign up for our newsletter here to receive the latest updates on prostate cancer and the PCRI: https://pcri.org/join
Who we are:
The Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to helping you research your treatment options. We understand that you have many questions, and we can help you find the answers that are specific to your case. All of our resources are designed by a multidisciplinary team of advocates and expert physicians, for patients. We believe that by educating yourself about the disease, you will have more productive interactions with your medical professionals and receive better individualized care. Feel free to explore our website or call our free helpline at 1 (800) 641-7274 with any questions that you have. Our Federal Tax ID # is 95-4617875 and qualifies for maximum charitable gift deductions by individual donors.
The information on the Prostate Cancer Research Institute's YouTube channel is provided with the understanding that the Institute is not engaged in rendering medical advice or recommendation. The information provided in these videos should not replace consultations with qualified health care professionals to meet your individual medical needs.