Digital rectal examination to screen for prostatic cancer

In a prospectively designed study 480 men, aged 45-67 years of age having routine medical examinations as part of the Occupational Health Service Program, underwent digital rectal examination to screen for early prostatic cancer. 26 men were referred to the Urology Service of the Aust-Agder Central Hospital for repeat examinations and further diagnostic procedures. Biopsies were performed on 16 patients, and transrectal ultrasound examination on 9. One patient was found to have prostate cancer. The value of an organized screening program for the detection of early prostatic cancer still seems to be under discussion.