>A single blood test is not very good at detecting Prostate Cancer. It, in conjunction with the digital exam are much more accurate. The Prostate should be soft and pliable to the touch. If there are any areas felt that feel abnormal, this is a strong indicator that something is wrong. This usually leads to a biopsy which uses an ultrasound probe that is inserted into the rectum by way of the anus.
>
>This is the one where you are awake and it hurts like h**l when the probe shoots through the rectal wall into the prostate to grab a tissue sample. The doctor did this to me 16 times when I finally told him to quit.
>
>OK, thanks. For some reason, I thought the blood test was very accurate.
>
>There is no Prostate history in my family (knock on wood), but since I'm 44 I should probably get it checked soon.

Considering your family history, the PSA blood test is probably all you need if you do it at least once a year so a trend can be detected.

Of course it's always best to consult your doctor.