Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Nigerian men and is often diagnosed too late. A simple annual PSA blood test detects prostate cancer at its most treatable stage — essential for Lagos men from age 45. Same-day results from our Akoka laboratory.
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a protein produced by the prostate. Elevated levels can indicate cancer, benign enlargement, or inflammation — the free:total PSA ratio helps distinguish them.
Total PSA <4.0 ng/mL is generally normal for Lagos men under 60. The 4–10 ng/mL range is "borderline" — where most Lagos prostate cancer diagnoses occur. Above 10 ng/mL, the probability of malignancy rises significantly. Importantly, PSA also rises with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis.
In the borderline 4–10 ng/mL range, the free:total PSA ratio dramatically improves specificity. A ratio <15% (low free PSA) suggests cancer; >25% (high free PSA) suggests BPH (benign enlargement). This is critical for Lagos men — BPH is extremely common and should not lead to unnecessary biopsy.
A PSA that rises by more than 0.75 ng/mL per year is a concern even if the absolute level remains below 4.0 ng/mL. Annual PSA testing from age 45 in Lagos men builds the velocity data that makes single PSA values far more meaningful — one data point cannot show a trend, serial data can.
Ejaculation transiently raises PSA by up to 50% for 24–48 hours — a major source of false-positive results in Lagos patients. Abstain from sexual activity for 48 hours before your PSA test. No fasting is needed — the test is not affected by food or drink.
If you take finasteride (Proscar, Propecia) or dutasteride (Avodart) for hair loss or BPH, tell us — these drugs lower PSA by approximately 50%. We adjust the interpretation accordingly. Stopping these medications 6 months before testing is an alternative but impractical for Lagos patients.
If you have recently had a prostate biopsy, cystoscopy, or urinary catheterisation, wait at least 6 weeks before testing PSA in Lagos — these procedures cause major PSA spikes that make results uninterpretable. Post-DRE (digital rectal exam) elevation is usually modest and acceptable.
Many Lagos laboratories report only total PSA. We report total and free PSA, calculate the free:total ratio, and interpret it — providing urology referrals with the full picture rather than a single number.
We retain all PSA results across years — enabling PSA velocity calculation that is more sensitive than any single result. Lagos men who screen annually build a trend record that protects them better than sporadic testing.
PSA thresholds vary with age and ethnicity. We apply age-adjusted reference ranges and flag the higher risk seen in men of Black African descent — relevant to the majority of Lagos patients.
52 Sholanke Street, Akoka — accessible from Lagos Island, Lekki, Yaba, and Ikeja. Open Mon – Sat 9 AM – 5 PM. Walk-ins and WhatsApp bookings both welcome.
"My Lagos doctor suggested annual PSA from 45. Mascot has been running it for three years — the velocity trend they showed me at year three was what prompted my urology referral. Early-stage cancer found and treated."
Walk in or book ahead. Located at 52 Sholanke Street, Off Chemist Junction, Akoka, Lagos.
Monday – Saturday · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Closed Sundays & Public Holidays