Research is being done to find the most reliable screening test for prostate cancer. For a digital rectal exam, the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum and feels the prostate gland for bumps or abnormal areas. This test measures the amount of PSA in the blood-stream. However, PSA levels also may be high in men who have noncancerous prostate conditions. Scientists are studying ways to improve the validity of the PSA test.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.
Routine examination of the skin increases the chance of finding skin cancer early. A positive result on any of these tests doesn't mean that you have cancer. You may need more tests. A biopsy is the only sure way to know whether the problem is cancer. In this test, a sample of tissue is removed from the abnormal area and examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.