Veteran entertainer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has opened up about his battle with prostate cancer, revealing the emotional and physical toll the condition took on him and how it reshaped his outlook on men’s health.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Perspective programme, the media personality disclosed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer at its early stage—a period marked by intense discomfort and lifestyle disruption.
He used the platform to advocate for increased awareness and early detection, stressing the need for men to prioritize their health.
According to Charly Boy, many men in Nigeria would rather suffer in silence than openly discuss issues relating to their sexual health due to shame and stigma.
“A man would rather die than lose his most prized possession,” he said, referring to the inability to maintain an erection—one of the possible complications of prostate-related illnesses.
“Once a man loses his ability to perform in the bedroom, it becomes emotionally devastating.”
Narrating his personal experience, Charly Boy said his journey began when his doctor gently broke the news to him after conducting a series of tests, including an MRI scan.
“It was the first stage of cancer, and it was affecting my prostate. Apparently, the prostate had grown into my bladder, making it difficult to urinate. I was practically living in the bathroom, and at a point, I started wearing diapers due to a hyperactive bladder,” he recounted.
The activist emphasized the importance of regular medical check-ups, especially for men above a certain age. He lamented that many men are so overwhelmed with responsibilities that they often neglect their health.
“A lot of our men are saddled with humongous responsibilities. That’s why I always advise that when you get to a certain age, you need to focus more on your wellbeing,” he added.
Charly Boy also spoke about the Charly Boy Foundation, which aims to support men battling prostate cancer by offering financial assistance for treatment.
He appealed for support from individuals, organizations, and government bodies to expand the reach of the initiative.
“Where treatment costs about N100,000, we try to support with half of the cost, and in some cases, we bear the full cost. But I can’t do it alone. We need collective effort to fight this dreaded disease,” he said.