The American Cancer Society recommends that all men over age 50 and who have a life expectancy of at least 10 years have an annual digital rectal examination (DRE) in combination with prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing.

• The DRE is a painless physical examination during which the physician inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any hard areas or lumps on the prostate.
• The PSA blood test consists of taking a few drops of blood to measure how much prostate specific antigen leaks from the prostate into the bloodstream, which helps give evidence of malignancy or other prostate problem.

Men who are of African-American descent or have a strong family history of prostate cancer should work with their physicians to determine if screening should begin at an earlier age.