Rectal examinations for prostate cancer ‘may miss early stage disease’

In the UK, there is no national screening programme for prostate cancer and some men are given these rectal checks.

New research suggests that rectal examinations for prostate cancer may miss early cases of the disease (Anthony Devlin/PA)

Rectal examinations for prostate cancer may miss early cases of the disease, according to new research.

A digital rectal examination involves a medical professional inserting a finger up a man’s bottom to check the prostate gland for unusual swelling or lumps that may indicate cancer.