GP06Roadster
Senior member
flimper said:Someone told me yesterday that they do it with a blood test now, that's obviously wrong then
They do both! Blood test and exam on the same day
flimper said:Someone told me yesterday that they do it with a blood test now, that's obviously wrong then
markeg said:Sorry if anyone is offended by introducing humour into the situation :roll: I have had it done, so can speak from experience when i say it is a quick and simple procedure, nothing to worry about - it's not as if the whole hand is inserted, it's a "digital" examination checking for abnormality.
Now, a colonoscopy..... That's invasive.

johnbirt said:Had it a few years back as well as camera insertion at both ends. They were kind enough to do the stomach first. The news there is no problem makes up for any discomfort.
None of 'em pleasant. Ignore the old hands on the shoulders joke nicked from Ben Elton. Easy to laugh when you aren't on the receiving end.
If you psyche yourself to try your best to relax and keep telling yourself it will be over fairly quickly, which it will, you will be fine. Deep breathing and repeatedly telling yourself it won't last long is the best help.
Friend of mine had it a while back and was due for another last week but refused it as many consider it un-necessarily invasive and not exactly conclusive. He had the blood tests as well and yet they still wanted to do the physical exam as well and he wasn't for having it again.
He was offered an MRI scan instead and is having it tomorrow, well in fact looking at the clock, its today.
Many tests these days are far from foolproof. For example X-ray will often not pick up lung cancer as recently exposed on an ITV program and a MRI scan should really be offered if in doubt. Unfortunately rarely given in UK without asking.
richiez4 said:I wouldn't worry about the check up. But would definitely recommend you get checked out. My father didn't and died from prostate cancer just over a week ago. Not trying to scare you but the check up is definitely the easy part.
bigdog said:You only need worry if the exam room has lowered lights. Candles burning and a bottle of red wine on the cart.![]()

richiez4 said:I wouldn't worry about the check up. But would definitely recommend you get checked out. My father didn't and died from prostate cancer just over a week ago. Not trying to scare you but the check up is definitely the easy part.
pvr said:Interesting - my dad has prostate cancer but it has never been suggested that I should be tested ...
Carol M said:pvr said:Interesting - my dad has prostate cancer but it has never been suggested that I should be tested ...
Sorry to hear that P. My father in law had it and made a complete recovery so don't give up hope.
(His was detected by 'the exam')
I would make an appointment with doc if I were you.
RubyBlueZ4MC said:Should all be over in a matter of seconds really. Just try and relax and take some deep breaths. They will use jelly to make it as comfy as poss.
It's a common condition in the elderly and rarely heritable (most die with it, not from it). There are some genetic associations that predispose to Ca prostate at an early age (at least one of the BRCA genes that are associated with familial Ca breast carries an increased risk of Ca prostate) so perhaps those here with a family history are suspected of carrying an abnormally high genetic risk? I would suggest all men over 60 should consider screening by DRE and PSA measurement as it carries little morbidity and may allow detection at an earlier age.pvr said:Interesting - my dad has prostate cancer but it has never been suggested that I should be tested ...
Vodka, definitely vodkamarkeg said:RubyBlueZ4MC said:Should all be over in a matter of seconds really. Just try and relax and take some deep breaths. They will use jelly to make it as comfy as poss.
any particular flavour?
kevinmarkwhite said:... I also did computer work for this Dr and could never stop thinking "you've had your finger up my arse"...
as long as its not mistaken for "Deep Heat" :heat:BMWZ4MC said:Vodka, definitely vodkamarkeg said:RubyBlueZ4MC said:Should all be over in a matter of seconds really. Just try and relax and take some deep breaths. They will use jelly to make it as comfy as poss.
any particular flavour?![]()
BMWZ4MC said:It's a common condition in the elderly and rarely heritable (most die with it, not from it). There are some genetic associations that predispose to Ca prostate at an early age (at least one of the BRCA genes that are associated with familial Ca breast carries an increased risk of Ca prostate) so perhaps those here with a family history are suspected of carrying an abnormally high genetic risk? I would suggest all men over 60 should consider screening by DRE and PSA measurement as it carries little morbidity and may allow detection at an earlier age.pvr said:Interesting - my dad has prostate cancer but it has never been suggested that I should be tested ...
OP, if the doc says, "Look mum, no hands" you should probably get off the couch asap![]()