- Aproko Doctor says some cancers can develop without obvious symptoms.
- He warns that cancer symptoms can sometimes resemble common conditions such as ulcer.
- The doctor urges Nigerians to seek proper medical evaluation for persistent symptoms.
Nigerian medical doctor and health educator, Dr Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, has urged Nigerians to pay closer attention to persistent health symptoms following the death of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the health educator warned that cancer can develop gradually and may not always produce obvious symptoms in its early stages.
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He also cautioned Nigerians against assuming that recurring symptoms are caused by common illnesses without seeking proper medical evaluation.
Aproko Doctor made the remarks while reacting to the death of Ogogo, who died at the age of 66 after battling cancer.
The actor’s death has generated widespread grief across the Nigerian entertainment industry, with colleagues, fans and other public figures paying tribute to the veteran actor.
Ogogo was one of the prominent figures in the Yoruba movie industry and had a career spanning several decades. He appeared in numerous Yoruba-language films and was known for his distinctive acting style and contributions to the growth of indigenous Nigerian cinema.
Following reports about his illness, members of the actor’s family had previously appealed for financial assistance towards his treatment.
According to reports, Ogogo was diagnosed with stage-four cancer, a development that raised concerns among his family members and admirers.
Reacting to the development, Aproko Doctor explained that serious illnesses can sometimes remain unnoticed for a considerable period.
He noted that some symptoms associated with cancer may appear similar to those of more common health conditions, making it possible for people to overlook them or treat themselves repeatedly without determining the actual cause.
The doctor specifically addressed stomach-related symptoms and the common assumption that recurring stomach pain must be caused by ulcer.
He explained that an ulcer does not simply transform into cancer, but some cancers, including stomach cancer, can produce symptoms that may be mistaken for ulcer.
He therefore advised Nigerians experiencing persistent or recurring symptoms to seek medical attention rather than continuously taking medication based on assumptions.
Among the symptoms that may require medical attention are persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, repeated vomiting, difficulty swallowing and feeling full unusually quickly while eating.
However, Aproko Doctor stressed that experiencing these symptoms does not automatically mean that an individual has cancer.
His warning was aimed at encouraging Nigerians to investigate symptoms properly, particularly when they persist or repeatedly return despite treatment.
He also cautioned against unnecessary panic, noting that many common symptoms can have causes unrelated to cancer.
The doctor’s comments followed Ogogo’s death on Sunday, August 23, 2026. Fellow actor Jide Kosoko reportedly announced that the veteran actor died at about 3pm.
Ogogo’s death has since prompted an outpouring of tributes from actors, filmmakers, politicians and fans who described him as an influential figure in the Yoruba film industry.
His passing has also renewed conversations about cancer awareness, early detection and the importance of seeking professional medical advice when unusual symptoms persist.
Aproko Doctor’s message is that Nigerians should not ignore recurring health problems or rely solely on self-medication. Instead, persistent symptoms should be properly assessed by qualified healthcare professionals to establish their underlying cause.
The warning comes as the entertainment industry continues to mourn Ogogo and celebrate his decades-long contribution to Nigerian cinema.
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