Why Do Men Need a Prostate Exam?

Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States, according to Medicine Net. However, not all men should receive a prostate exam. While the exam can be beneficial to certain men with specific characteristics, for others the test and treatment for prostate cancer may do more harm than good.

Simplicity

• There are two basic prostate exams: the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Both exams are relatively simple and are not considered risky in and of themselves.

Stopping Cancer

• The prostate exams are intended to detect malignancies on the prostate that can be signs of prostate cancer. According to MedicineNet, "early treatment of these malignancies (cancers) can stop the growth, prevent the spread, and possibly cure the cancer."

Symptoms

• Men who experience problems with urination, including frequent need to urinate, weak stream or urgent needs to relieve themselves, may be experiencing symptoms of prostate cancer. For these men, A Healthy Me's website recommends consultation with a doctor about prostate screening.

Potential Harm

• Men considering a prostate exam should also factor in the potential harm of the treatment that could result. Prostate cancer treatment can cause erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, bowel dysfunction and even death. Meanwhile, an older man can live for several years with prostate cancer without dying from it.

Age Considerations

• Men who are likely to live more than 10 years may benefit from prostate exams and prostate cancer treatments, according to the American Cancer Society. For this reason, the ACS recommends that doctors explain the benefits and complications of prostate exams and offer them annually to male patients 50 and older. The same is true for younger men with higher risk.