A public appeal by Nigerian relationship influencer Blessing Okoro for urgent surgery funds after revealing a breast cancer diagnosis has triggered controversy, with a medical professional challenging aspects of her claims.
The social media personality, popularly known as Blessing CEO, said she is battling breast cancer and requires immediate surgery to prevent the disease from spreading. In an emotional video, she pleaded for financial support, revealing she had put some of her properties up for sale to raise funds.
“It was a very hard decision for me to do this. That is why I am here, pleading. If I have ever touched your life, nothing is too small. It is time to show me love. I just want to be fine. I have never been this clueless in my life,” she said.
She added that doctors advised a surgical procedure to determine the extent of the cancer, which could involve the removal of a breast if necessary.
“An urgent surgery is needed to stop the spread or to know how far it has gone and to do an amputation if they have to take off one of the two,” she explained, describing the situation as overwhelming and debilitating.
Her disclosure, however, has drawn scrutiny online, particularly after a Nigerian doctor on X, known by the handle @the_beardedsina, raised concerns over inconsistencies in her account.
The doctor questioned the claim that surgery was needed to determine the spread of the disease, especially after Blessing CEO allegedly stated that she was already diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
According to him, stage 4 breast cancer typically indicates that the disease has spread beyond the breast to other organs such as the liver, lungs, or brain, making diagnostic surgery of that nature questionable.
“I hate what celebs like Blessing CEO do, making it look like doctors in Nigeria don’t know what they are doing,” he said, adding that such narratives could erode public trust in the healthcare system.
He further argued that mastectomy is not commonly used as a diagnostic tool in advanced-stage cancer cases, where other forms of treatment are usually prioritised.
The debate has since gained traction on social media, with users divided between sympathising with the influencer’s condition and demanding clarity around her diagnosis and treatment plan.
