What tests are commonly used to diagnose prostate cancer?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Prostate cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of tests. The two most common initial screenings are:

PSA test (Prostate-Specific Antigen): A simple blood test that measures PSA levels, which may be elevated in men with prostate cancer.
DRE (Digital Rectal Exam): A brief physical exam where a doctor checks the prostate for abnormalities in size, shape, or texture.

If either test suggests a concern, further evaluation such as imaging or a biopsy may be recommended to confirm a diagnosis.

Because early detection significantly improves outcomes, understanding your symptoms and risk factors is critical. If you're noticing changes or have concerns, take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be going on and get personalized guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of prostate cancer symptoms Learn if your symptoms need urgent care Find out if it could be prostate cancer See OTC options for prostate-related symptoms Find a doctor for prostate concerns Understand medically valid prostate symptom home remedies Check whether your symptoms suggest prostate cancer

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Explanation

To diagnose prostate cancer, doctors typically use two main tests. The first is the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, which is a blood test that measures the level of PSA in the blood. High levels of PSA might suggest the presence of prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by other conditions.

The second test is the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). In this test, a doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to check for any lumps or abnormalities. This type of exam has become less common because it is uncomfortable and less informative for prostate cancer screening.

If the PSA test suggests the possibility of cancer, doctors may recommend further testing, such as a biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis. If you're experiencing symptoms and want to understand what they might mean before seeing a doctor, you can use a free symptom checker to get personalized insights. These initial tests help doctors decide if more investigation is needed to determine if prostate cancer is present.

(References)

Xu J, McPharlin S, & Mulhem E. (2024). Prostate Cancer Screening: Common Questions and .... American family physician, 39556631.
Carlsson SV, & Vickers AJ. (2020). Screening for Prostate Cancer. The Medical clinics of North America, 33099450.
Wei JT, Barocas D, Carlsson S, Coakley F, Eggener S, Etzioni R, et al. (2023). AUA/SUO Guideline Part I: Prostate Cancer Screening. The Journal of urology, 37096582.

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