Current patterns of practice include two tests to screen for prostate cancer, the digital rectal exam, and PSA. The digital rectal exam is a physical exam performed by a medical practitioner to feel the surface of the prostate (a lubricated, gloved finger is placed in the rectum to feel the prostate). The prostate can be assessed to determine if there may be a hard spot, or an area of asymmetry, which may be a sign of prostate cancer.

The PSA is a blood test done to measure the level of PSA, prostate-specific antigen, which is a protein made by the prostate. PSA elevation is nonspecific, and an elevated PSA may be due to prostate enlargement, inflammation (which can include urinary infection), or can be the first sign of prostate cancer. Furthermore, PSA is not always elevated when prostate cancer is present and there may be prostate cancer even with a normal PSA (which is why the DRE needs to be done too).