Tope Osoba: How I knew I had breast cancer, survived it

Tope Osoba, the Nollywood actress, has opened up on how she discovered she had breast cancer.

In November, the actress had solicited financial assistance after undergoing her first breast cancer surgery.

In a recent interview with BBC News Yoruba, Tope revealed that she discovered a lump in her breast through a routine self-examination.

She said the doctor initially dismissed the lump, attributing it to her childbearing age.

The actress said her persistence however led to further testing, which revealed that the lump was cancerous.

Tope described the day she received the diagnosis as “one of the worst days of my life”.

“The doctor had earlier told me that I would be placed on medication for five years and, during that period, I must not conceive. At the time, I was 39 years old. I discovered the issue one day while touching my body. I felt something on my breast resembling a bean that hadn’t been there before,” she said.

“Concerned, I went to a private hospital, where the doctor assured me nothing was wrong. The doctor attributed it to the fact that I was at the stage of childbearing but had neither conceived nor breastfed a baby. I initially accepted the doctor’s explanation and went home, but I remained uneasy because my hand kept going to that spot.

“Over time, I noticed it grew larger, making me even more uncomfortable. I got a test, and the results showed it was a lump. It was removed, and I believed everything was fine. However, when further tests were conducted at the hospital, it was discovered to be breast cancer.

“The day I received the diagnosis was one of the worst days of my life. I couldn’t believe I had such an illness. I started worrying—would my breast be removed? Would I die despite all my struggles, having no mother or father to support me? I began praying to God, acknowledging that while I wasn’t deeply religious, I had never wished anyone harm.”

Tope disclosed that additional tests revealed the cancer was contained and hadn’t spread. She expressed gratitude for the financial support she has received so far and then declared that “I am now free from breast cancer”.

“When I returned to the hospital, they recommended a CT scan to determine if the cancer had spread. Thankfully, the results returned negative, showing only a few remaining particles. The doctor informed me that another surgery would be needed but assured me that my breast would not be removed,” she said.

“God surprised me again when the doctor said I wouldn’t need chemotherapy, only radiation. When the treatment started, I was given a bill, and I worried about how I would afford it. I reached out to colleagues and others. Some responded, while others did not.

“Eventually, I contacted Actress Foluke Daramola, who helped by reaching out to people on my behalf. She later informed me that the response was not massive because many people didn’t know me. That was why I decided to make a video showing my face to the public. Through it all, I received the help I needed, and by God’s grace, I am now free from breast cancer.”