Originally Posted by JohnDThompson

The only definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer is through biopsy. The digital rectal exam can reveal an enlarged prostate, which is not necessarily an indication of cancer. Elevated PSA can only be considered as a screening tool to suggest further work-up, e.g. biopsy.

If you are having problems emptying your bladder, the digital exam is a quick, minimally invasive test that can reveal an enlarged prostate obstructing the urethra, which is not necessarily cancerous. Non-invasive bladder ultrasound (much like the ultrasounds women get when pregnant) can show whether your bladder fully empties when you void, which can be an indication for further treatment. Treatment for prostatic hypertrophy can either be medical or surgical. Surgical treatment has the advantage of obtaining tissue that can be tested for cancer cells.