Tope Osoba, the Nollywood actress, says doctors told her she might not be able to conceive for five years following her cancer diagnosis.
In an interview on Oyinmomo TV, the actress revealed that she first discovered the lump in her breast during a self-examination in 2023, but the doctor initially dismissed her concerns, attributing it to her childbearing age.
She said as the lump grew, she sought advice from her aunt, who encouraged her to carry out further tests at a general hospital.
The 39-year-old film star said after the test confirmed it was cancerous, her aunt withheld the diagnosis for six months out of fear of how she would react before eventually breaking the news to her.
“One day in 2023, I checked my breast and noticed a small bean-like lump. I quickly went to the hospital, and the doctor told me it was nothing to worry about, explaining that it was because I had not given birth or breastfed. He also said that a woman who has not given birth has a higher chance of getting cancer,” she said.
“I went home, but my mind was still unsettled because the lump kept growing. I told my aunt what was happening, and she advised me to go to the lab for a test.
“At the lab, they said the lump would need to be removed for testing. I then went to the General Hospital in Sagamu, where they removed the lump for examination.
“Later, they called my aunty and told her they had detected cancer in the lump, but she didn’t know how to break the news to me because she was afraid I might hurt myself. She kept it from me for six months, only urging me to keep going for checkups.
“Eventually, I went back for a checkup, and they confirmed that cancer had been detected in the lump.”
Osoba revealed that after her cancer diagnosis, the doctor informed her that her ability to conceive will be affected for five years due to the medications.
She described the news as devastated considering her age but she had faith and went on with her surgery because they found out there were still some tumours in the breast.
“I did a series of tests to know if it had spread, and they also told me I would not be pregnant in the next five years because I would be on medications that could affect the baby,” she added.
“At that time, I was 38 years old so I was worried. I prayed to God for strength.
“Later, I was asked to do a CT scan, and thankfully, they told me the cancer had not spread to other parts of my body.
“However, there were still some leftover particles in my breast, so I was advised to undergo a second surgery to remove them.
“I was given a bill of N15 million, which I didn’t have. My family members came together to raise some money for me, and actress Foluke Daramola also helped source funds online.
“People turned up to support me, and I truly appreciate everyone.”
The actress said after her surgery, doctors confirmed there were no remaining tumours in her breast and declared her fit to conceive.
“After the surgery, I went to the hospital for dressing and that was when my doctor informed me that there is no residual tumour in the breast,” she added.
“It was the same doctor who told me I would need chemotherapy that later declared that I have no more tumour. He also said I can go ahead to get pregnant and give birth.”
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