I wouldn't presume to tell anyone whether they should have either a digital exam or the PSA laboratory test. Personal choices are just that. As for me I have both yearly, Primary Care MD does the manual exam as a matter of normal business. It has never showed up on any itemized statement. I'd pay anyway. The PSA is tested yearly at my request.

I have a family history of extremely aggressive prostate cancer and for cancer in general through my mother's linage. Her brother died after having the cancer detected early, the radioactive seeds implanted and all follow up treatment. The cancer still spread, and spread very quickly. He died in a year. My mother, her brother I detailed above and 2 sisters have had cancer and 1 died from ovarian cancer in less than 8 months from diagnosis. My mom has had cancer of the colon twice and once in a kidney.

I'll take the test exam as scheduled and should cancer ever be found I'll do my usual in depth research (I am an engineer and have really severe Engineer's Disease) and get other doctor's opinions before I would decide which course of treatment to use. After all of the problems I have had since 2000 and 16 major surgeries (12 having small intestine resections) I want to know what is lurking early and take action as I find fit.

Each of us has to make their own decision on tests and exams as well as treatment should it become necessary. This discussion in the thread is good and gives a lot of things to think about, read and research. Dnvr did us a favor on bringing this up and every reply has been something for me to consider. I always come back to Stapfam when I think of prostate cancer and his case sends me a strong message.

Thanks to everyone for letting me respond and for everyone's input in this thread.

Bill