Routine tests for detecting prostate cancer at an early, more treatable state include a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam. Wallace Hunter wasn’t experiencing any unusual symptoms, he knows firsthand the importance of the PSA test and detecting prostate cancer early,“I am a prostate cancer survivor, 6 years.”

While the PSA test has helped many physicians diagnose prostate cancer, it’s not always accurate and that’s why a digital rectal exam us also suggested, which can be a little uncomfortable we’re told.

Dr. Jasper Rizzo says, “Probably the biggest thing you want to do is check the size of the finger of your Urologist first when you walk in the room but at best it is uncomfortable, it’s a quick exam, it’s a single finger in the rectum.”

And a rectal exam can also find other abnormalities in addition to prostate cancer, “Every once in a while we will pick up a rectal tumor, a polyp or something like that.”

You know, women have to go to their gynecologist starting at a much younger age than recommended for men to have an annual PSA test and rectal exam. So really, it’s something that should just be dome and it can save your life.

Dr. Rizzo explains, “There is no other way to check rather other then patient coming in and doing the rectal exam in the office and having the PSA done.”

The American Cancer Society recommends men begin going for these screening tests starting at the age of 50, but African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer should take to their doctor about screening earlier.