Medical Intel

Digital rectal exams for prostate cancer can be a little uncomfortable, but they’re vital for early cancer detection as part of regular screening. Dr. Ross Krasnow explains why a digital rectal exam is important and what to expect.   TRANSCRIPT Intro: MedStar Washington Hospital Center presents Medical Intel where our healthcare team shares health and wellness insights and gives you the inside story on advances in medicine. Host: Thanks for joining us today. We’re talking to Dr. Ross Krasnow, a urologist who specializes in urologic oncology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.  Welcome, Dr. Krasnow. Dr. Krasnow: It’s great to be here. Thanks for having me. Host: Today we’re talking about the digital rectal examination used to check for abnormalities of the lower rectum, particularly prostate cancer.  Doctor Krasnow, what can a man expect when he gets a digital rectal examination? Dr. Krasnow: So, I think that most people, when I tell them they need a digital rectal examination, get pretty nervous about it.