Wole Soyinka reveals cancer diagnosis

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Wole Soyinka reveals cancer diagnosis

Professor Wole Soyinka is widely admired, not just for his intellect but also his good health even at the age of 80 but the Nobel Laureate has shocked everyone by revealing he was recently diagnosed with cancer.

At a press conference held today, Tuesday, November 25, 2014, the renowned playwright opened up on his health status, revealing a cancer diagnosis December last year.

At the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta venue of the press parley in Ogun State, Soyinka said he decided to open up in order to create awareness about cancer disease and to help people become more aware of how to take measures to prevent it or seek prompt medical attention for cure.The Nobel Laureate said he survived the silent killer disease because of early detection, treatment and proper dieting, adding that it has also dawned on him that the family has a history of cancer ailment. He, however, noted that his initial reaction was to see cancer as one of those challenges and nuisance that should be dealt with: he considered it ‘an unwanted squatter in his body and had to get rid of it whether it is a slow growing one or malignant.’

The social critic and adored literary heavyweight, was assured by a medical expert and founder of the African Cancer Centre in Lagos, Prof.Olu Williams, that Soyinka would ‘not die of cancer.’
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Revealing his reason for saying that, Williams revealed that Soyinka was diagnosed with the disease because of his old age and that the playwright will only ‘die with the ailment.