jedda,
The rectal exam just isn't that big a deal ( unless you feel BOTH the doctor's hands on your shoulders ).
I will admit, it's a bit humiliating, but think how the doc feels...doing this year after year. Can't be too much fun.
I always get a PSA blood test once a year in addition to the "finger wave". Foolish not to, but you have to ask in the States as no blood work of any kind is required. It is a separate test from general blood testing.
Tell your male friends to do it. Prostate cancer is 98% cureable when caught early enough...and there's only one way to do that: get tested.