Doctor….DRE

When you're over 40, "DRE" usually stops representing your favorite rap artist from your teenage years. In the medical world, DRE stands for Digital Rectal Exam, and for many men, it’s a major barrier to getting a regular physical. Many guys simply don’t want to "go there," and fair enough—but historically, the DRE has been a key tool for doctors to assess your full prostate risk profile.

Today, the conversation is shifting. While the DRE is still a piece of the puzzle, Canadian medical best practices now emphasize Shared Decision-Making. According to the latest guidelines from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, routine screening (like the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test) isn't a "one-size-fits-all" recommendation. Instead, it’s about having a candid conversation with your doctor to weigh your personal risk factors—like family history and ethnicity—against the potential for over-diagnosis.

Prostate health remains a vital topic. In 2026, it is estimated that approximately 71 Canadian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every day, however; on average, only 13 men die from the condition daily.

While those numbers sound high, they actually highlight a positive reality. Early detection and advanced care work! Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer in Canada will not die from it. We might prefer to ignore "below the belt" issues, but continuing these conversations is exactly what keeps survival rates climbing.

For those who do require treatment, modern medicine offers more precision than ever, including robotic-assisted surgery, advanced radiation, and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

A common concern following "below the belt" surgery is urinary incontinence. This is where proactive wellness plays a huge role. Current Canadian best practices suggest that "Pre-hab"—specifically pelvic health therapy with a qualified Physiotherapist before surgery, and/or the support of a qualified Cancer Rehab Physio—can significantly speed up your recovery and influence your survivorship.

Research continues to show that men who engage in preoperative pelvic floor muscle exercises often regain continence much sooner than those who don't. Think of it as training for your recovery; the stronger you are going in, the faster you’ll get back to your normal routine afterward.

Keep your buddies accountable and make sure you get the necessary tests done and don’t ignore any below-the-belt concerns.