Nollywood actress appeals for support as recurring cancer spreads to bones

Nollywood actress appeals for support as recurring cancer spreads to bones

Nollywood actress Cynthia Anijekwu has made an emotional appeal to Nigerians and well-wishers for financial assistance after revealing that she is battling cancer for the second time, with the disease now spreading to her bones.

In a video shared on social media on Tuesday, the actress disclosed that she was first diagnosed with cancer in 2023. She said she underwent surgery and chemotherapy after the diagnosis, and although the treatment initially appeared successful, the disease later returned.

According to Anijekwu, recent medical examinations revealed that the cancer has spread to her bones, making her condition more complex and significantly increasing the cost of treatment.

She explained that doctors have recommended radiation therapy and another surgery as part of her ongoing treatment, adding that the monthly cost of her medical care is now about ₦600,000.

Speaking emotionally in the video, the actress said she has spent several months moving in and out of hospitals as she continues her fight against the illness.

“I had cancer in 2023. I did my surgery and took chemotherapy, but later it came back again. I’ve been in and out of the hospital. The doctor recently told me it has reached my bones, and the treatment is now much more expensive,” she said.

Anijekwu also disclosed that the disease has affected both of her breasts and caused swelling in one of her hands, making her health challenges even more difficult.

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Appealing directly to members of the public, she pleaded for financial assistance to enable her continue treatment.

“I need to live. I need to survive. I’m asking Nigerians to please help me. Anyone that can help, please, I need help.

“Even my hands have swollen. The cancer has affected both breasts. I need to live. Please help me. I need to survive.

“Your one naira and your two naira can add up to something reasonable for me to get the proper treatment for this cancer. I’m begging you, please help me,” she said.

The actress noted that the financial burden of managing the illness has become overwhelming for her family, prompting her decision to seek public support.

Before her health challenges became public, Anijekwu built a career in Nollywood, featuring in a number of English- and Igbo-language productions.

While there is no widely documented record of her appearing in major blockbuster productions, she has remained active in the industry and is now receiving public attention following her emotional appeal for support.

Her story has drawn sympathy from fans and members of the public, with many expressing hope that she will receive the financial assistance needed to continue her treatment and recover.

Nollywood actress appeals for support as recurring cancer spreads to bones