A Nigerian who identifies herself Dr Mutiat, who also claims she works in oncology, has encouraged ailing actor Taiwo Hassa aka Ogogo to remain hopeful.
Ogogo is said to be battling stage 4 cancer, as announced by his daughter, Kira.
In a didactic letter published on Facebook, Mutiat told Ogogo and his family that stage 4 cancer does not mean the patient will die the following day.
Mutiat writes:
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 ❤️
