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Is deleting the digital rectal examination a good idea?
M A Sutton1, R P Gibbons, R J Correa
1University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle.
The Western Journal of Medicine
|July 11, 1991
Summary
The digital rectal examination (DRE) aids in early prostate cancer detection. Skipping annual DREs can lead to diagnosis of more advanced, less curable cancers, underscoring its continued importance in physical exams.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Debate exists regarding the necessity of digital rectal examination (DRE) in routine physicals.
- Concerns about DRE's sensitivity and patient comfort have been raised.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of omitting DRE on early prostate cancer diagnosis.
- To assess the relationship between DRE frequency and cancer stage at detection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of prostate cancer cases.
- Examination of the time interval between DREs and cancer stage at diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Increased time since last DRE correlated with higher cancer stage.
- Annual DRE detected more localized, curable cancers.
- Cancers diagnosed due to symptoms were frequently advanced (Stage D).
Conclusions:
- Digital rectal examination remains a valuable tool for early prostate cancer detection.
- Routine annual DRE can improve detection rates of earlier-stage disease.
- Omitting DRE may result in delayed diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.