Prostate screening

Your screen involves a few different things. During the physical exam, your consultant will gently insert their finger into your anus so they can check your prostate. This is known as a digital rectum examination (DRE).

They may also carry out a blood test, known as a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, which involves your doctor using a needle and syringe to take blood from a vein, usually in your arm. If you don't like having your blood taken, please let us know so we can make you more comfortable. You'll have a bladder scan and urine analysis as well as routine height, weight and blood pressure checks.

Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions you have. They'll also tell you how to prepare for your screen.

You should be able to go home straight after your screen. Once the doctor has all your results, they'll let you know what happens next. They may refer you for further urology or prostate investigations, such as an MRI scan, which might be followed by a biopsy. Or they may suggest you have another screening in a year's time if your PSA blood test is normal.