MeCure Healthcare Limited acquired the first comprehensive cancer center with Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography (PET/CT) in Lagos. Nigeria. It is the first of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa.
A PET scan is an imaging test that helps identify different conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and brain disorders. The PET-CT machine is a nuclear medicine technique combining one gantry, a PET scanner, and an x-ray CT scanner to acquire simultaneous images from both devices in the same session and are then combined into a single superposed image.
For several years, Nigerians had to travel abroad for expensive cancer diagnosis and treatment, which resulted in high cancer mortality rates. The patients also had to worry about visas, traveling, accommodation, and more, mainly because they won’t be traveling alone. Now, patients can get an early cancer diagnosis, prevent late-stage detection (decreasing deaths), and access treatments, all at a lower cost.
The machine scans 30-40 patients daily to help detect cancer cells before they develop as cancer in the body. It is used to diagnose the location of cancer in the body, and after treatment, it is used for monitoring. While getting treatment, the PET/CT help detect if the treatment is working or not. Six months after the treatment, it helps see if the cancer is fully treated or if some cancerous cells remain. This will increase the survival rate of cancer patients.
Mr. Samir Udani MeCure, MeCure Chairman, stated that there are nearly 125,000 new cancer cases in Nigeria annually, most of which are detected at late stages. With the PET-CT machine, physicians can make proper treatment plans for their patients. MeCure aims to increase early cancer diagnosis and add nine more machines in the coming five years.
