Cancer Screening Guidelines
Early detection saves lives. Screening helps find cancer in its earliest stages, often before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective. Below are the recommended screenings for the four most common types of cancer.
Breast Cancer Screening
Why it matters: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Screening should begin in the 20s with monthly self-breast checks, while mammograms are recommended from age 40. Detecting cancer early greatly improves treatment outcomes.
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Self-Breast Examination (SBE): Begin in your 20s. Monthly self-checks help you know what is normal for your body, making it easier to notice changes.
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Ultrasound: Especially helpful for women under 40 with dense breast tissue, or to follow up on a lump found during a physical exam or mammogram.
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Mammogram: A low-dose X-ray that can detect cancer before a lump can be felt. Recommended every 1–2 years starting at age 40, or earlier for women with higher risk.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Why it matters: Cervical cancer develops slowly, and regular screening can detect changes before they become serious. Screening is recommended every 3 years for women aged 21–65. VIA is especially useful for women aged 25–49, while Pap smears are recommended through age 65.
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Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA): A simple, low-cost method where vinegar is applied to the cervix to highlight abnormal cells. Most effective for women aged 25–49.
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Pap Smear: Cervical cells are collected and examined for precancerous changes. Recommended every 3 years for women aged 25–65, or as advised by your doctor.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Why it matters: Prostate cancer is common in men over 50. Screening discussions with a healthcare provider should begin at age 50, helping detect cancer early while it is still highly treatable.
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PSA Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen): A blood test that measures PSA levels. High levels may signal prostate cancer, but can also be caused by other conditions.
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Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A quick physical exam where the prostate is checked for irregularities.
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Biopsy: If needed, small tissue samples are taken to confirm if cancer cells are present.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Why it matters: Colorectal cancer often starts as polyps, which can be detected and removed before they turn cancerous. Screening should begin at age 45 for both men and women, and earlier if you have a family history or other risk factors.
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Stool Tests (FOBT/FIT): Annual tests that check for hidden blood in stool.
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Stool DNA Test: Detects abnormal DNA or blood in stool, usually every 3 years.
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Colonoscopy: Examines the entire colon with a camera, and polyps can be removed during the procedure. Recommended every 10 years for average-risk individuals.
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Sigmoidoscopy: Focuses on the lower colon and rectum. Usually done every 5 years, sometimes with stool tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Oak Cancer Specialist Hospitals, we offer a full range of cancer care services, from early detection and diagnosis to treatment, recovery, and ongoing support. Our services include cancer screening, chemotherapy, symptom and pain management, emotional and psychological support, palliative care, and more. Whether you're just starting your journey or seeking a second opinion, our team is here to walk with you every step of the way.
Yes. We encourage patients to bring a family member or caregiver for emotional support. We have a designated waiting area where visitors and loved ones can comfortably sit while you receive care. Our reception staff is available to assist with any questions or needs during your visit.
You can call our helpline, visit our hospital in person, or fill out the appointment request form on our website. A care coordinator will get in touch promptly
The hospital is open from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Please arrive on time for your appointment and come with any current medications or prescriptions, previous medical records or referral letter, diagnostic test results (e.g., scans, lab reports), health insurance details, if applicable. Bringing these items will help ensure a smooth, accurate, and well-informed consultation. For any further assistance, feel free to speak with the Admin Officer
OAK Cancer Specialist Hospitals, located at 10/12 Owokoniran Idi-Oro, Surulere, Lagos State
Yes. We have a dedicated team of specialists who are available to assist you with any questions or concerns.
Breast Ultrasound (Breast Cancer)
Breast Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the internal structures of the breast. It is primarily used to evaluate breast abnormalities that may have been detected during a clinical exam or through mammography.
Self Breast Examination(SBE)
Regular self-breast exams help women become familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel, making it easier to detect changes. Breast Examination is encouraged monthly for women starting in their 20s.
Ultrasound
Used to assess abnormalities found during a clinical exam or mammogram, ultrasound is especially helpful for younger women (under 40) with dense breast tissue or further evaluation of a lump or mass.
Mammogram
A low-dose X-ray of the breast that can detect cancer early, often before a lump can be felt. Annual or biennial mammograms are recommended for women aged 40 and above, or earlier for those with a family history or elevated risk.
Breast Ultrasound (Cervical Cancer Screening)
(Every 3 years for women aged 21-65.)
Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid
This is a simple, low-cost test where vinegar is applied to the cervix to identify abnormal cells that could be precursors to cancer. VIA is ideal for women aged 25 to 49, especially in low-resource settings.
Pap Smear
A screening procedure in which cervical cells are gently collected and examined under a microscope to detect precancerous changes or cervical cancer. It is recommended every 3 years for women aged 25 to 65, or as advised by a healthcare provider.
Breast Ultrasound (Prostrate Cancer Screening)
Men should discuss screening options with their healthcare provider at age 50.
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Test
Measures the level of PSA in the blood. Elevated levels of PSA can indicate prostate cancer, though high PSA levels can also result from benign conditions like an enlarged prostate or prostatitis (inflammation).
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
A physical examination in which a healthcare provider uses a gloved finger to feel the prostate through the rectum for any irregularities or lumps.
Biopsy
If PSA levels are high or a DRE reveals irregularities, a prostate biopsy may be performed, where small samples of prostate tissue are taken and examined for cancer cells.
Breast Ultrasound (Prostrate Cancer Screening)
Screening should start at age 45 for both males and females.
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