Process where a gloved finger probes the internal portion of the rectum, approximately one to three inches within the anus. Important in screening for bowel cancer, the presence of blood in stools, and, in males, prostate cancer.
A digital examination of the rectum to check for cancer. In the examination, the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to check for growths and to evaluate the prostate gland in men. Doctors recommend annual rectal examinations for everyone age 40 or older. Those at high risk due to a personal history of colitis or polyps or having an immediate family member who has colon or rectal cancer are advised to be tested annually at an earlier age.
A rectal examination, often included in a comprehensive physical check-up, is typically conducted to evaluate symptoms like pain, alterations in bowel movements, the size of the prostate gland, or to screen for potential tumors in the rectum or prostate.