Mascot Healthcare · Akoka, Lagos
PSA
Prostate Cancer
Screening Test
Prostate Cancer Detection · BPH Monitoring · Post-Treatment Follow-up · Annual Screening
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Nigerian men — and one of the most treatable when caught early. The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test detects rising PSA levels years before symptoms appear, making it the single most important prostate health test for men over 45.
No
Fasting
Required
Required
24–48h
Result
Turnaround
Turnaround
Annual
Screening
Recommended
Recommended
PSA Result
Total PSA
8.2 ng/mL
Borderline elevated — further evaluation advised
Normal <4 · Borderline 4–10 · High >10 ng/mL
Prostate
Free PSA Ratio
About the Test
Understanding PSA Testing
Prostate-Specific Antigen is a protein produced by prostate cells — both normal and cancerous. A blood test measures its level: the higher the PSA, the more likely prostate pathology is present. PSA testing doesn't diagnose cancer — it identifies men who need further investigation.
Total PSA
Measures all PSA in the blood. Normal is below 4 ng/mL; borderline 4–10 ng/mL; elevated above 10 ng/mL. A single elevated result is not a diagnosis — context, age, and trend matter as much as the absolute number.
Free PSA Ratio
PSA exists as bound (attached to proteins) or free. A low free:total ratio (under 25%) in the borderline range increases suspicion for cancer vs. benign enlargement (BPH). Helps avoid unnecessary biopsy in men with borderline total PSA.
PSA Velocity & Trend
A PSA rising by more than 0.75 ng/mL per year is concerning even if total PSA is in normal range. Annual testing creates the trend data needed — a single PSA result in isolation is far less informative than a series over time.
When to Test
Five Reasons to Get a PSA Test
01
Men Over 45 — Annual Routine Screening
Prostate cancer risk rises sharply after 45 in Nigerian men. Annual PSA screening is the most practical tool available. Prostate cancer detected at PSA stage (no symptoms) is almost always curable; detected at symptomatic stage it often is not.
02
Family History of Prostate Cancer
A father or brother with prostate cancer doubles your risk. Start PSA screening at 40 if first-degree relatives were diagnosed, especially if diagnosis was before age 65. Annual testing gives the trend data needed for early action.
03
Urinary Symptoms — Frequency, Weak Flow, or Urgency
Frequent urination (especially at night), weak or interrupted stream, difficulty starting urination, or incomplete bladder emptying can be early prostate cancer or BPH (benign enlargement). PSA combined with a prostate exam distinguishes the cause.
04
Post-Treatment Monitoring
After radical prostatectomy, PSA should fall to undetectable. After radiotherapy, it should nadir over months. Rising PSA after treatment is the earliest indicator of recurrence — often detected years before clinical symptoms return.
05
Pelvic Pain, Blood in Urine, or Back Pain
Advanced prostate cancer spreads to bones (lower back, hips) and can cause haematuria or pelvic pain. In any man over 40 with these symptoms, PSA is part of the initial workup alongside imaging — early-stage metastatic disease is still treatable.
PSA Level Reference Ranges
Normal (0–4 ng/mL)
Low risk
Borderline (4–10 ng/mL)
Further evaluation
Elevated (>10 ng/mL)
Urgent urology
Post-treatment goal
<0.1 ng/mL
⚕️ Age-adjusted PSA thresholds apply — a PSA of 3.5 in a 45-year-old is more concerning than the same value in a 70-year-old. Results must be interpreted with clinical context.
Preparation
How to Prepare for Your PSA Test
A few simple steps prevent false-high results that might lead to unnecessary investigation.
🚫
No Ejaculation 48 Hours Before
Sexual activity temporarily raises PSA by up to 0.5–1.0 ng/mL. Abstain from ejaculation for at least 48 hours before your test to avoid a false-high result in the borderline range.
💊
Disclose Finasteride or Dutasteride
5-alpha reductase inhibitors (Proscar, Avodart — used for BPH or hair loss) lower PSA by up to 50%. If you take these, your doctor must double your PSA reading to interpret it correctly. Always disclose all medications.
🏥
Wait After Prostate Procedures
Prostate biopsy raises PSA dramatically and temporarily. Wait at least 6 weeks after any prostate biopsy, catheter insertion, or cystoscopy before PSA testing. Prostate examination causes minimal elevation — but disclose it anyway.
Why Choose Us
Trusted Prostate Screening in Akoka & Beyond
Total and Free PSA — Full Picture
We offer both total PSA and free PSA ratio where clinically indicated. Free:total ratio provides critical additional information for men in the borderline range — reducing unnecessary anxiety and biopsy.
Annual Tracking & Trend Records
PSA velocity (rate of rise) matters as much as absolute level. We maintain your test history so each result can be interpreted against your personal baseline — not just population averages.
Confidential Male Health Care
Prostate health is private. Our team handles PSA testing with complete discretion. Results are delivered only to you, with explanation of what they mean and clear guidance on next steps.
24–48 Hour Results
Results are available within 24–48 hours. Urgent cases can be prioritised. We explain your result in plain language — not just a number on a form — so you leave knowing what action, if any, is needed.
"My PSA came back at 6.2 — borderline range. Mascot Healthcare explained this calmly, told me what it might or might not mean, and what follow-up steps to take with a urologist. I wasn't left panicking. That guidance was as valuable as the result itself."
800+
PSA Tests Done
4.9★
Patient Rating
Free PSA
Ratio Available
24–48h
Result Ready
Our Services
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Book Your PSA Test
Prostate Cancer Detected Early. Cured.
Book your appointment ahead. Located at 52 Sholanke Street, Off Chemist Junction, Akoka, Lagos.
Monday – Saturday · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Closed Sundays & Public Holidays
No fasting required · Avoid ejaculation 48h before · Walk-in, no appointment needed