Tests and scans
This examination involves your doctor feeling inside the anus and rectum (back passage) using their finger. This is also called a digital rectal exam or DRE.
You might have a DRE if you have symptoms that could be due to bowel or anal cancer.
Your doctor or nurse can do a DRE to examine your prostate. The rectum is close to the prostate so they check for any problems with the prostate.
Go to our information on having a DRE to examine the prostate
You might have this to help work out the cause of your symptoms.
Your nurse or doctor will explain what to expect before the examination. It’s normal to feel anxious about this test but it usually only takes a few minutes. It might be uncomfortable, but you shouldn’t feel any pain. Let the person doing the examination know if you have pain during your test.
You can ask for a man or woman doctor if you’d prefer. You can also ask to have a chaperone in the room while you have the test. A chaperone is another staff member from the clinic. It’s up to you whether you decide to have one or not. It’s normal practice to offer this for intimate examinations or tests.
You might also be able to have someone else in the room, such as a family member.
The doctor or nurse will ask you to take off your clothes on your lower half, including underwear.
You lie on your left hand side, with your knees brought up towards your chest.
The doctor or nurse will put on gloves and then put lubricating gel on their finger. They will then put their finger inside your anus and rectum and feel for anything unusual, such as lumps.
Once it’s done, your nurse or doctor wipes the gel off the anal area.
You can then get up from the couch and get dressed. You’ll be able to leave as soon as you’re ready.
If your doctor or nurse finds anything unusual, they will discuss this with you and they will refer you for more tests.
Last reviewed: 19 May 2025
Next review due: 19 May 2028
Search for the cancer type you want to find out about. Each section has detailed information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, research and coping with cancer.
Anal cancer is cancer that starts in the anus. The anus is also called the anal canal.
Bowel cancer means cancer that starts in the colon (large bowel) or back passage (rectum). It is also known as colorectal cancer.
Prostate cancer is cancer that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is found at the base of the bladder and is about the size of a walnut.
Find out about tests to diagnose cancer and monitor it during and after treatment, including what each test can show, how you have it and how to prepare.
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