Actress Tope Osoba has opened up on her battle with breast cancer, revealing that doctors once told her she might not be able to conceive for five years because of the medications she was placed on.
In an interview on Oyinmomo TV, the 39-year-old said she first discovered the lump in her breast during a self-examination in 2023, but the doctor initially dismissed her concerns.
“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.
Despite the reassurance, the lump kept growing and Tope sought advice from her aunt who encouraged her to go for further tests.
“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,” she explained.
Tope said the doctor later informed her that her ability to conceive would be affected for five years due to the medications.
“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. 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,” she said.
The actress recalled being given a bill of N15 million for the surgery.
“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,” she added.
After the surgery, doctors declared her cancer-free and cleared her to have children.
“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. 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,” Tope said.
Tope has since returned to acting, saying her survival story has reshaped her life and inspired her to use her platform to encourage others.
The actress first went public with her cancer struggle in late 2024 when she appealed for funds to complete her treatment. Colleagues including Foluke Daramola rallied around her to raise money.
In a later interview, she confirmed that scans showed the cancer had not spread and that she did not need chemotherapy but radiation therapy. She was eventually declared free from the disease.
