Charly Boy shares his prostate cancer journey, launches a foundation to support men battling the disease, and promotes early testing.

Veteran Nigerian singer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has shared his personal battle with prostate cancer.

He revealed his experience with stage 1 prostate cancer, which left him sterile and disinterested in sexual activities, and announced the establishment of the Charly Boy Foundation to support men facing similar health challenges.

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Charly Boy disclosed his ordeal during a heartfelt statement, recounting how the diagnosis initially caught him off guard.

“I was lucky because my pee and everything were mixing with my bladder, and it had become cancerous,” he explained.

Following an urgent examination, he underwent surgery at Reddington Hospital in May last year, staying for five days.

The experience, he noted, left him physically and emotionally affected. “I became so uninterested in sex… I didn’t have full control of my organ, and for a man, your penis is like your prized possession,” he admitted, highlighting the mental toll prostate cancer can have on men.

Motivated by his journey, Charly Boy established the Charly Boy Foundation to create awareness about prostate cancer and support men in need of testing and treatment.

Partnering with hospitals across Nigeria, including locations in Umuahia, Owerri, Enugu, and Abuja, the foundation seeks to reduce the stigma and encourage men to prioritise their health.

The foundation offers financial assistance to cover part or most of the costs for prostate cancer tests, which typically range between ₦50,000 and ₦100,000.

“Our primary duty is to raise funds and encourage men to have at least one medical test done,” Charly Boy stated. For cases requiring further treatment or surgery, the foundation also provides support for selected patients.

The singer has called on well-meaning Nigerians to contribute to the initiative, emphasising the lack of NGOs focused on men’s health.

“Men are human beings too,” he said, pointing out the need for more resources directed toward male health issues.

Charly Boy’s foundation aims to break the silence around prostate cancer, urging men to address health concerns openly.

“The sooner you check up, the better prepared you are,” he advised, advocating for regular screenings and proactive health management.

Through his foundation, Charly Boy hopes to leave a lasting legacy, using his voice and platform to save lives and challenge societal norms around men’s health.