….Writes Openly Letter To Family
Nollywood icon Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has become the center of a public outpouring of support following recent news regarding his health.
Amidst the speculation, Dr. Mutiat Sunshine, an oncology professional, has penned an open letter to the actor and his family, providing essential medical context regarding a stage 4 cancer diagnosis.
In her message on Facebook, Dr. Sunshine emphasized that a stage 4 diagnosis does not signify an immediate end, but rather indicates that the cancer has spread from its primary site.
While acknowledging that metastatic cancer is generally considered incurable, she stressed on Tuesday that it remains highly treatable. The focus of such care, she explained, is to control the disease, slow its progression, and manage symptoms to ensure the patient’s quality of life.
Dr. Sunshine addressed the specific concerns regarding the reported pause in chemotherapy for the actor, noting that such a decision could stem from various factors, including the patient’s overall health, organ function, or the specific biology of the cancer.
She advised the family to seek clarity on the medical team’s rationale and suggested that a second opinion from a qualified medical oncologist is a reasonable step to ensure all options are understood.
Crucially, the oncologist issued a stern warning against the exploitation of vulnerable families by those peddling “miracle cures.” She urged the public to rely on evidence-based medicine, stating clearly that no herbs, teas, or supplements have been proven to cure stage 4 cancer.
“Cancer is not one disease,” Dr. Sunshine wrote, concluding with a message of hope and solidarity for the veteran actor. “Let’s lead with compassion, seek accurate information, and never give false hope, but let’s also never assume that a stage 4 diagnosis means there is nothing left to do.”
Read the open letter below:
“DEAR OGOGO, ❤️
“As a Nigerian and someone who works in oncology, hearing the news about your cancer diagnosis really touched me.
“I have watched you on screen for years, and like so many Nigerians, I have grown to love the characters you’ve brought to life.
“So today, I want to use this moment to educate, not to give medical advice to your family, because I don’t know the details of your diagnosis, but to help others understand what stage 4 cancer actually means.
“Stage 4 does NOT mean someone is going to die tomorrow.
“Stage 4 generally means that the cancer has spread from its original or primary site to another part of the body.
“Unfortunately, metastatic/stage 4 cancer is generally not considered curable. But that does NOT mean it cannot be treated.
“Depending on the type of cancer and its biology, treatment may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Radiation
- Or a combination of treatments
“The goal may be to control the cancer, slow its progression, manage symptoms, and help the patient live as well and as long as possible.
“So when I hear that the family has been told that chemotherapy cannot proceed, my questions would be:
“1️⃣ Where is the primary cancer?
“Knowing that is incredibly important because treatment depends on the type and origin of the cancer.
“2️⃣ Why has the medical team decided not to proceed with chemotherapy?
“Is it because of his overall health or frailty? Is his bloodwork or organ function preventing treatment?
Is chemotherapy unlikely to benefit him? Or are there treatment limitations based on what is available in Nigeria?
“These are VERY different situations.
“If the medical team has determined that his body cannot safely tolerate treatment, then treatment may shift from trying to control the cancer to palliative/supportive care, focusing on comfort, symptom management, dignity, and quality time with family.
“And please, PLEASE be careful.
“When a loved one receives a cancer diagnosis, desperation can make families vulnerable to people selling ‘miracle cures.’
“No herb, tea, supplement, or secret concoction has been proven to cure stage 4 cancer.
“Don’t allow anyone to exploit your fear and hope.
“If there is uncertainty about the treatment plan, seeking a second opinion from a qualified medical oncologist is reasonable. A second opinion doesn’t mean you don’t trust the first doctor. It means you want to understand all available options.
“Ogogo, I am rooting for you. ❤️
“I pray for strength for you and your family, wisdom for your medical team, access to the best possible care, and comfort throughout this journey.
“And to everyone reading this: Cancer is not one disease. Stage 4 is not a treatment plan. The details matter.
“Let’s lead with compassion, seek accurate information, and never give false hope but let’s also never assume that a stage 4 diagnosis means there is nothing left to do.
“With love and hope,
Dr. Mutiat Sunshine ❤️”, she wrote.
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