Veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has revealed the deeply personal and painful journey of his battle with prostate cancer, shedding light on symptoms that nearly crippled his daily life.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Perspective, the 73-year-old icon recounted how the illness affected his bladder, leaving him struggling to urinate and eventually dependent on diapers.
“I was practically living in my bathroom because I was peeing a lot… sometimes I’d go in there and just wait, and wait,” he shared.
Early Signs and Diagnosis
Charly Boy recalled the moment his doctor gently broke the news, saying he suspected something and advised further tests. After undergoing an MRI, it was confirmed that he had stage one prostate cancer. Though detected early, the cancer had already grown into his bladder, making urination painful and extremely difficult.
“The doctor said, thank God we’re catching this early,” he recalled. “Apparently, the prostate had grown into my bladder.”
He described how the persistent ache and discomfort made life unbearable, pushing him to use adult diapers to manage a hyperactive bladder.
On Masculinity and Silence
Charly Boy didn’t shy away from talking about the emotional toll of the illness, especially its impact on sexual health.
“A man would rather die than lose his most prized possession,” he said, referring to erectile dysfunction.
“The stigma and shame around sexual dysfunction is real. That’s why many men suffer in silence instead of seeking help.”
A Message to Men: Get Checked
Now a survivor, Charly Boy is using his platform to advocate for early detection and regular check-ups, particularly among men.
Through his Charly Boy Foundation, he says he’s committed to supporting other men facing prostate cancer and encouraging open conversations around men’s health.
“It’s time we stop pretending that everything is fine. Get tested. Don’t wait until it’s too late,” he urged.
