Cancer Screening in Nigeria: 8 Tests You Should Know About

Cancer remains an important public health concern, but detecting certain cancers early can improve the chances of successful treatment. For individuals and families in Nigeria, understanding the available cancer screening tests is an important step towards making informed healthcare decisions.

Cancer screening in Nigeria includes tests and examinations that help identify certain cancers or precancerous changes before symptoms develop. Depending on your age, sex, family history, medical history and other risk factors, a healthcare professional may recommend specific screening tests to help protect your health.
At Isalu Specialist Hospital, we encourage individuals to take a proactive approach to their health through appropriate medical consultations, preventive healthcare and early evaluation of concerning symptoms.

In this guide, we explore eight cancer screening tests you should know about, who may benefit from them and when to discuss screening with your doctor.

What Is Cancer Screening and Why Is It Important?

Cancer screening involves testing people who do not have symptoms of a particular cancer to identify possible disease at an early stage or detect precancerous changes.

Some screening tests can detect abnormalities before they develop into cancer, while others help identify cancer when treatment may be more effective.

The benefits of appropriate cancer screening include:

Early detection: Some cancers can be identified before symptoms appear.
Prevention: Certain tests can detect precancerous changes that may be treated before cancer develops.
Informed healthcare decisions: Screening helps patients and doctors determine whether further investigation is necessary.
Timely treatment: Detecting certain cancers early can expand treatment options and improve outcomes.

However, not every cancer has an effective routine screening test. Screening can also produce false-positive or false-negative results, so tests should be selected according to individual risk and established medical guidance.

8 Cancer Screening Tests You Should Know About

Different cancers require different screening approaches. Here are eight important cancer types and the tests or examinations that may help detect them.

1. Breast Cancer Screening

   Breast cancer screening helps identify possible breast cancer in people who do not have noticeable symptoms.

   Common screening methods include:

   Mammography: An X-ray examination of the breast that can identify suspicious changes, including small abnormalities that may not be felt.
   Clinical breast examination: A healthcare professional examines the breasts and surrounding areas for unusual lumps or changes.
   Breast ultrasound: Imaging that may be used to assess a breast lump or investigate particular findings. It is not a universal substitute for mammography.
   Breast MRI: May be recommended alongside mammography for selected individuals at significantly increased risk.

   The appropriate screening method depends on age, breast symptoms, family history and personal risk factors.

   People should seek medical assessment if they notice a new breast lump, nipple discharge, changes in breast shape or skin dimpling, even if their last screening result was normal.

2. Cervical Cancer Screening

   Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. Persistent infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer.

   Cervical cancer screening can identify high-risk HPV infections or abnormal cervical cells before they progress to cancer.

   Common screening methods include:

   HPV test: Detects high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer.
   Pap smear: Examines cervical cells for abnormalities that may require further evaluation.
   Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA): A trained healthcare professional applies a dilute acetic acid solution to the cervix to identify suspicious changes.

   The World Health Organization recommends HPV DNA testing as the preferred primary screening method where available and appropriate.

   Women should discuss when to begin screening and how frequently to repeat it with a healthcare professional. Recommendations may differ depending on age, HIV status, previous results and national guidelines.

   HPV vaccination is also an important preventive measure, but vaccinated individuals may still need cervical cancer screening.