Nigerian singer and social commentator, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has shared his battle with prostate cancer and his decision to set up the Charly Boy Foundation to help other men affected by the disease.

Oputa, who underwent surgery for stage one prostate cancer last year is recovering and wants to raise awareness about the silent killer affecting thousands of Nigerian men.

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system that lies just below the bladder and in front of the rectum (the lower part of the intestine). In contrast, prostate cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the prostate caused by changes in the genes of a normal prostate cell.

Describing the symptoms he experienced, Oputa noted how the ailment made it difficult for him to control his urine, causing him to make frequent trips to the toilet. He also emphasised the most devastating impact of the disease is its effect on sexual function. “For a man, your penis is like your prized possession. When it doesn’t rise when it’s supposed to, you feel less of a man,” he explained.

He also shed light on the emotional toll that prostate cancer can have on men and stressed that many men suffer in silence, unwilling to seek help or share their struggles due to societal expectations.

Motivated by his journey, he created a legacy beyond his healing. He shared how the idea for the foundation came to him after a conversation with someone who had listened to his journey to healing.

The foundation has partnered with hospitals across Nigeria, in cities like Umuahia, Owerri, Enugu, and Abuja, to raise funds for prostate cancer awareness and testing through this initiative.

With the funds, the foundation seeks to provide men with access to affordable tests for prostate cancer, with the foundation covering a portion of the costs for those unable to pay their bills. The foundation also supports follow-up treatments and, in some cases, full surgery for men in critical need.

Oputa expressed his deep commitment to creating awareness about prostate cancer and encouraging men to get tested, despite their reluctance. “My job is to create awareness and publicise to the men that openness is important in these challenging times,” he explained.

The activist also appealed to Nigerians to support the foundation’s efforts, emphasising that men’s health issues often receive less attention compared to those of women and children. “I don’t see Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that are catering for men, because it’s all about women and children,” he stated, highlighting the need for more support for men’s health.

Beyond physical health, Oputa pointed out that the mental state of many Nigerians is deteriorating, which is another aspect the foundation aims to address. “Our mental state is being eroded seriously like never before,” he warned.

Stressing the importance of creating space for open conversations about mental health, he pointed out that many men are struggling with depression but are unwilling to seek help because of societal expectations to “man up.”