CALL US
+234 456 678 890
E-MAIL
hello@1in4foundation.org

Getting Tested

Catching prostate cancer early makes all the difference. But not every prostate cancer is aggressive, and not every prostate issue means cancer. That’s why proper testing is important. There are different ways to check what’s going on with your prostate, and your doctor will guide you based on your symptoms, risk factors, and test results.

Blood Tests (PSA Test)

One of the first steps in checking for prostate cancer is a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. PSA is a protein made by the prostate, and it naturally circulates in your blood. A higher PSA level can be a danger sign.

Now, do not freak out, high PSA doesn’t always mean cancer. Other things can cause a spike, like:

  • An enlarged prostate (BPH)
  • A recent infection (prostatitis)
  • Even something as simple as recent sexual activity or cycling

That’s why doctors don’t rely on PSA alone; it’s just a first step. If your PSA level is high, your doctor will likely recommend further testing to determine the cause.

MRI Scans

If your PSA test comes back looking suspicious, the next step may be an MRI scan. This is where technology steps in.

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan takes detailed pictures of your prostate to look for anything unusual, like areas that might be cancerous. MRI scans help doctors decide if you even need a biopsy in the first place. If nothing concerning shows up, you might be able to skip the next step.

If the MRI shows something off, it helps doctors target the right area for a biopsy instead of guessing.

MRI scans are non-invasive and don’t involve radiation, making them a great tool for smarter, more precise diagnosis.

Biopsy (Getting a Tissue Sample)

A biopsy is the only way to confirm if cancer is present. During this procedure, a small piece of tissue is removed from your prostate and examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

There are two main ways doctors take a prostate biopsy:

  • Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) Biopsy: A thin needle is inserted through the rectum to collect samples.
  • Transperineal Biopsy: The needle is inserted through the skin between the testicles and anus, reducing the risk of infection.

A standard biopsy usually collects about 12 core samples from different parts of the prostate. If cancer is found, the biopsy results help doctors grade how aggressive it is.

You may experience some discomfort, but don’t worry – it’s performed with local anesthesia to numb the area. After the procedure, you may notice some blood in your urine or semen for a few days, which is totally normal.

Other Advanced Tests

If your PSA level is high but your MRI is clear, or if you’ve had a biopsy before but still need more testing, your doctor may suggest additional tests to fine-tune the diagnosis.

  • Prostate Health Index (PHI): A blood test that provides a more detailed risk analysis than the PSA test alone.
  • PCA3 Test: A urine test that looks for a gene strongly linked to prostate cancer.
  • Multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI): A more detailed MRI scan that helps detect aggressive cancers earlier.

These tests aren’t always available everywhere, but they’re worth discussing with your doctor if you’re exploring options.

Understanding the Gleason Score

Now, if a biopsy confirms cancer, the next question is: how aggressive is it? That’s where the Gleason Score comes in.

Here’s how it works: when a pathologist examines your biopsy under a microscope, they rate how abnormal the cancer cells look on a scale of 1 to 5. The more aggressive the cancer, the higher the number.

Since tumors often have a mix of different cell types, doctors add together the two most common patterns seen in your biopsy. This gives you a Gleason sum score between 6 and 10:

  • Gleason 6 (3+3): Low-risk, slow-growing cancer
  • Gleason 7 (3+4 or 4+3): Intermediate ris k
  • Gleason 8-10 (4+4, 4+5, 5+5): High-risk, aggressive cancer

A higher Gleason score means the cancer is more likely to grow and spread, so treatment decisions are based on this grading system.

Where to Get Tested in Nigeria

Access to prostate cancer screening is improving, but knowing where to go is key. In Nigeria, some major hospitals and cancer centers offer PSA testing, MRI scans, and biopsies.

Here are a few places to consider:

1. Lakeshore Cancer Center, Lagos

  • About: The first operational facility in Nigeria solely dedicated to cancer prevention and treatment.
  • Website: lakeshorecancercenter.org
  • Services: Comprehensive cancer screening, including prostate cancer.
  • Location: Victoria Island, Lagos.

2. SYNLAB Nigeria

  • About: A leading provider of medical laboratory services.
  • Website: synlab.com.ng
  • Services: Offers Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests to help detect prostate cancer early.
  • Locations: Multiple centers across Nigeria.

3. NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre, Lagos University Teaching Hospital

  • About: A state-of-the-art cancer treatment facility.
  • Website: NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre
  • Services: Comprehensive cancer care, including prostate cancer screening and treatment.
  • Location: Surulere, Lagos State.

4. EKO Hospital, Lagos

  • About: A private hospital offering a range of medical services.
  • Services: Provides prostate cancer screening and treatment.
  • Location: Ikeja, Lagos.

5. St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos

  • About: A renowned private hospital in Nigeria.
  • Services: Offers comprehensive medical services, including prostate cancer screening.
  • Location: Lagos Island, Lagos.

6. Primus Super Speciality Hospital, Abuja

  • About: A multi-specialty hospital offering advanced medical services.
  • Services: Provides prostate cancer screening and treatment.
  • Location: Karimo, Abuja.

7. Lagoon Hospital, Lagos

  • About: A leading healthcare provider in Nigeria.
  • Website: Lagoon hospital
  • Services: Offers prostate cancer screening and treatment options.
  • Location: Apapa, Lagos.

8. First Consultants Medical Centre (FCMC), Lagos

  • About: A private medical center offering various healthcare services.
  • Services: Provides prostate cancer screening.
  • Location: Obalende, Lagos.

9. Lagos State Government Prostate Cancer Screening Program

  • About: An initiative by the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
  • Website: lagosministryofhealth.org
  • Services: Offers free prostate cancer awareness and screening programs across various Local Government Areas (LGAs).
  • Location: Various LGAs in Lagos State.

10. Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Iwo

  • About: A faith-based teaching hospital offering specialized cancer screenings and treatments.
  • Services: Provides prostate cancer screening and various treatment modalities.
  • Location: Iwo, Osun State

11. University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu

  • About: A leading teaching hospital providing advanced medical care, including prostate cancer screening.
  • Services: Provides comprehensive cancer screening, including for prostate cancer.
  • Location: Ituku, Enugu State

12. Project Pink Blue

  • About: A non-profit organization focused on cancer awareness and support.
  • Services: Offers free prostate cancer screenings and awareness programs in various states across Nigeria.
  • Location: 1st floor, 11 Moses Majekodunmi Crescent, Utako, Abuja

13. Medicaid Cancer Foundation

  • About: In partnership with AstraZeneca, they have conducted free prostate cancer screenings.
  • Services: Provides free screening programs and awareness campaigns.
  • Location: Utako, Abuja 

14. Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital

  • About: A tertiary hospital known for specialized oncology services and prostate cancer treatment.
  • Services: Offers prostate cancer screening and various treatment modalities.
  • Location: Nnewi, Anambra State

15. University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital

  • About: A major referral center in Northeast Nigeria, offering cancer screening and treatment.
  • Services: Offers prostate cancer screening and various treatment options.
  • Location: Maiduguri, Borno State