Maverick artist and activist Charles Oputa, widely known as Charly Boy, has bravely shared his personal battle with prostate cancer, revealing the emotional and physical toll the disease has had on his life. Known for his unapologetic personality, Charly Boy’s candidness about his health struggles is aimed at raising awareness about prostate cancer, a condition often shrouded in stigma.
In a recent statement, the controversial public figure disclosed that he was diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer, a diagnosis that led to complications including sterility and a reduced interest in sexual activity. The revelation comes as part of his mission to help others facing similar challenges, and to emphasize the importance of early detection and medical attention.
Charly Boy explained his situation in a moving interview, stating, “Now, I understand why men are scared because of this. I had Stage 1 prostate cancer, and I was lucky because my pee and everything were mixing with my bladder. It had become cancerous, so there was a need to just stop it in its track.” He went on to reveal that the diagnosis came with a sense of urgency, leading to an immediate surgical intervention.
Following his diagnosis, Charly Boy underwent surgery to treat the cancer, staying at Reddington Hospital for about five days. While the procedure was successful, the recovery process was not without its emotional challenges. “I can’t say now that I’m totally free,” he admitted, reflecting on the ongoing effects of the disease. Despite his recovery, Charly Boy continues to grapple with the changes that came with his diagnosis, particularly regarding his diminished interest in sex.
In his statement, the artist recalled how he initially thought that his loss of sexual interest was simply a result of his long-term marriage, but he soon realized that the underlying cause was his medical condition. “I just turned off because my ‘thing’ still wasn’t rising when it was supposed to rise, and I didn’t have the full command of my organ,” he confessed. For many men, he explained, such issues can have a devastating impact on their sense of identity and masculinity.
As Charly Boy shared his story, he emphasized how important it is for men to confront their health issues rather than suffer in silence. “For a man wey no too get money, and him thing no dey too function, you feel less of a man,” he noted, explaining the pressure men face to keep such struggles hidden. He urged men to seek medical help and checkups early, warning that ignoring the signs can have serious consequences.
Motivated by his own experience, Charly Boy established the Charly Boy Foundation, which focuses on raising awareness and providing financial assistance to men battling prostate cancer. He credited his friend, Louis Stan Ekeh, for inspiring him to turn his personal experience into a larger initiative. “He said to me, ‘Charlie, the way that I’ve seen you answer questions, I think this is what you should sign off with… Why don’t you do this as a full-time job?'” Charly Boy recalled. He immediately took the advice to heart and set about launching the foundation.
The Charly Boy Foundation works in collaboration with hospitals across Nigeria, including those in Umuahia, Owerri, Enugu, and Abuja. The foundation’s primary goal is to raise funds to provide free or subsidized prostate cancer screenings for men who cannot afford the tests. “Depending on your location, it typically costs about 50k to 100k but the foundation is ready to offset half or perhaps even three quarters of the test fee,” Charly Boy explained.
Beyond the screenings, the foundation aims to support patients through their treatment journeys. If the results of the initial tests are not severe, the foundation helps with follow-up medications. However, for those diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, the foundation will help fund surgery for select patients. “My job is majorly to create awareness and publicize to the men that openness is important in these challenging times,” said Charly Boy, emphasizing that his work is focused on outreach and education, rather than medical intervention.
In his appeal for support, Charly Boy urged Nigerians to donate to the foundation, calling on those who have experienced the pain of cancer within their families to offer their help. “So, for any family that has gone through what I have gone through, they will understand,” he said. He also highlighted the lack of focus on men’s health, especially in the context of prostate cancer awareness, noting that most nonprofit organizations focus more on issues affecting women and children.
Through his foundation and public advocacy, Charly Boy aims to empower men to take control of their health and overcome the cultural stigma that often surrounds male health issues.
