Men’s health | 14.2.2026
Prostate exam: what tests are recommended?
With more than 7,000 new cases registered every year in Switzerland, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men. As the early stages are often asymptomatic, a prostate exam is recommended by the age of 50 at the latest and 45 in the case of a family history. How often should you have a prostate screening? What does the PSA level indicate? And what costs are covered by basic and supplementary health insurance?
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a gland about the size of a chestnut that plays a central role in reproduction and urinary tract health for men. It sits below the bladder, surrounding the upper part of the urethra. The prostate’s main function is to produce a fluid that is a vital part of semen. A healthy prostate is not just important for male fertility but also for a good quality of life in general.
Why should I go for a prostate exam?
Prostate disorders, such as enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or inflammation (prostatitis), can significantly impair bladder function and well-being. Early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms, so is frequently missed. Only on reaching an advanced stage do symptoms such as the following occur:
- Difficulty urinating
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pain when ejaculating
- Erectile dysfunction
Regular prostate check-ups to detect changes at an early stage are therefore crucial for prostate health – especially in older men. This can increase the chances of being able to treat tumours.
From what age should I have a prostate exam?
Men aged 50 or over should have regular prostate exams. Anyone at higher risk, for example due to a family history, is advised to get tested annually or every two years from the age of 45. The necessary tests and ideal frequency for you are best determined by consulting your GP or urologist and depend on the test results.
Prostate care thanks to Pulse
Pulse supplementary outpatient insurance from KPT contributes towards preventive healthcare and screening for prostate cancer and low testosterone, as well as other health risks. Thanks to comprehensive benefits for sport, fitness and medical screenings that are not covered by basic health insurance, Pulse offers optimal support for your physical and mental health.
Prostate exam: procedure and tests
Several tests and examinations can be used to assess the condition of the prostate. Some are performed by GPs, others are only conducted by specialist urologists. The tests recommended for you depend on personal risk factors such as your age, family history or existing symptoms.
Rectal touch or digital rectal examination (DRE)
Rectal touch procedure:
Digital rectal exams (DRE – also known as rectal touches) are performed with the patient lying down and involve the doctor palpating the prostate via the rectum. This is done by putting on surgical gloves and inserting a lubricated finger into the anus to examine the prostate for abnormalities such as lumps or areas of hardening. (The word ‘digital’ refers to the use of the finger; it has nothing to do with data processing or apps.) The exams are not usually painful but can be uncomfortable.
Advantage:
A DRE is simple, quick and used for the early detection of prostate cancer.
Disadvantage:
It can only detect larger tumours (from 1 cm) near to the intestines and often only when at an advanced stage. Not all palpable changes are necessarily malignant (cancerous). As the significance of a change cannot be determined through palpation alone, however, this can quickly cause unnecessary concern. A DRE alone is too unreliable for the early detection of prostate cancer and should not be used for younger men.
In addition to the rectal touch, the following aspects can be clarified:
- Medical history, especially family history
- Symptoms such as pain when urinating or an increased urge to urinate
- Examination of the genital organs and lymph nodes
PSA test: measurement of the PSA level and what it means
PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a protein that is produced in the prostate gland. The PSA test measures the amount of this protein in the blood.
PSA test procedure:
To measure the PSA level, men provide a blood sample that is lab tested for PSA. The results are available after a few days.
Measuring the PSA level:
The PSA level is specified in nanograms per millilitre (ng/ml) and assessed by the medical specialist within the context of the overall examination.
Importance of an elevated PSA level:
An elevated PSA level can indicate changes to the prostate gland, such as prostate cancer, but is not definitive evidence. This is because benign prostate enlargement can also increase the PSA level. Further tests are required to provide an accurate diagnosis. If the PSA value is suspiciously high, the test is repeated. If cancer is still suspected, further tests are required.
PSA test combined with rectal touch:
The PSA test complements the digital rectal examination (DRE). Together, they provide a better chance of early detection but can also lead to false positives.
Ultrasound/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):
In the event of an elevated PSA level, a urinary tract ultrasound is an important diagnostic technique. If this cannot definitively rule out prostate cancer, an MRI is the next step. A biopsy is only useful if the imaging techniques show suspected prostate cancer. Many men around the age of 60 have a benign prostate enlargement and potentially an elevated PSA level, but not cancer. Ultrasound and MRI scans prevent these men from needing a biopsy.
Prostate biopsy
A prostate biopsy is the only definitive way to diagnose prostate cancer. It is performed if prostate cancer is suspected, for example due to an abnormal scan (ultrasound/MRI).
Biopsy procedure:
- The procedure usually only takes a few minutes.
- The biopsy is usually performed on an outpatient basis using local anaesthetic or short-acting sedation and is more uncomfortable than painful.
- The small tissue samples are taken by inserting a thin needle (‘punch biopsy’) through the rectum or the perineum (the area between the anus and the testicles).
- The samples are then lab tested for cancer cells.
The results of the prostate biopsy indicate whether cancer cells are present in the prostate. If cancer is diagnosed, the results help to determine the aggressiveness and stage of the tumour in order to establish an appropriate treatment plan.
Which doctors perform prostate exams?
In Switzerland, the first port of call is usually your GP/family doctor practice, where your medical history and family history can be discussed. The practice can also conduct the DRE and PSA test. If further tests and treatments are required, you will be referred to a urologist.
Prostate cancer screening
Choosing whether or not to undergo screening is a very personal decision that should be carefully considered. Thoroughly research the advantages and disadvantages of the various screening methods and obtain advice from a medical professional.
If you are at higher risk; for example, due to your family history, such as a father who had prostate cancer, you should ideally consult your doctor from the age of 40. Studies show that the early detection of prostate cancer is accompanied by a very high life expectancy. Weigh up the risks and benefits:
How is prostate cancer treated?
Treatment depends on various factors, such as the stage of the cancer and the patient’s age, general health and individual wishes. The main treatment options are as follows:
- Active monitoring: regular checks of the cancer without immediate treatment; primarily used for slow-growing tumours.
- Watch and wait: focus on quality of life; mostly for older patients with less aggressive cancer; no regular examinations.
- Surgery: removal of the prostate (prostatectomy) in the case of localised cancer.
- Various forms of radiation therapy, such as external beam radiation.
- Medicinal therapies and chemotherapy for advanced cancer.
What are the chances of recovery from prostate cancer?
In the early stages, prostate cancer is associated with a very high life expectancy. Studies show that, at this stage, the survival rate after ten years is close to 100%. Even if the tumour has spread to the nearby lymph nodes, over 90% of patients are still alive after ten years. The prognosis is less favourable if the cancer spreads to other parts of the body (known as distant metastasis). In such cases, the five-year survival rate drops to around 30% and only around one in five patients are still alive after ten years.
Can I prevent prostate cancer?
There is no way to completely protect yourself against prostate cancer, but leading a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk. Screening and check-ups are important, as tumours in the prostate can often be discovered at an early stage when they are easier to treat.
How to reduce your risk:
- Maintain a healthy body weight (avoid becoming overweight)
- Stay physically active and integrate exercise into your everyday life
- Follow a healthy diet with lots of plant-based products
- Drink in moderation and do not smoke
What does health insurance in Switzerland cover?
Basic health insurance only pays for tests performed due to suspected prostate cancer. It does not cover purely preventative tests and examinations, i.e. those intended for screening purposes. The costs of these can only be covered by supplementary insurance.
Pulse supplementary outpatient insurance with benefit class Top or Premium pays up to CHF 1,000 per year for prostate cancer screening tests.
FAQ – prostate screening
Prevent prostate cancer with Pulse from KPT
Pulse supplementary outpatient insurance helps you stay fit and healthy by providing benefits that go beyond those covered by basic health insurance. Benefit from screening check-ups, e.g. for prostate cancer or low testosterone, yoga sessions, fitness classes and more. Improve your health, alleviate symptoms and minimise long-term risks.
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In her role as Head of the Benefits Management team at KPT, Céline Luginbühl is responsible for the clear, proper and customer-oriented handling of complex benefits matters. As the central contact for benefit-related enquiries and regulatory changes, she lends her expertise to internal and external committees and actively contributes to the further development of the Benefits area.
