4 Nigerian Celebrities Who Beat Cancer

Despite alarming Cancer mortality statistics, many people have been able to beat this dreaded disease. Today, as we pay tribute to those that feel by the way side, We also salute the courage of those who were able to beat the deadly scourge and hopefully encourage those who may be fighting this disease or know someone who is. Wednesday, 4th February marks World Cancer Day. With no fewer than 8.2 million people who died from Cancer in 2012, according to Cancer Research UK, Cancer remains one of the highest mortality rate diseases in the world. But inspite of these alarming statistics, many people have been able to beat this dreaded disease. So today, as we pay tribute to those we've lost to cancer, we also salute the courage of those who were able to beat the deadly scourge. Here are 4 Nigerian celebrities who won the battle with cancer. Banky W: Banky W needs no introduction. Singer, songwriter, rapper and now budding director, it's not for nothing that the Samsung ambassador is sometimes referred to as a triple threat. But during his undergraduate days, Banky discovered a cancerous tumour in his shoulder which was removed. However, it made a reappearance several years down the line. Luckily for him though, it was detected early enough and he underwent a second operation. Today, Banky is Cancer-free, millions of naira richer and can be found making female hearts run aflutter on stages across the world. Who says Cancer isn't beatable? Karen Igho: December 2013, former Big Brother Africa winner Karen unceremoniously announced that she had Cancer and subsequently went off the radar. Thankfully, last February she revealed that she was now Cancer free, having undergone a series of treatments in the UK. A year after she was diagnosed with Cancer, Karen tied the knot with her lover of 9 years, Yaroslav Rakos. Talk about a happy ending!

Vast from Bracket: Last year, Vast sent shock waves through the entertainment industry when it was announced that the one half of music duo, Bracket was diagnosed with Lymphoma, Cancer of the blood. After a series of treatment in London, Vast was finally declared Cancer free and last month, the singer was cleared to resume sexual activities again. Amen, somebody? Wole Soyinka: Last November, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka announced that he was infact a Cancer survivor as he had battled prostrate Cancer for 10 months prior to his announcement. Soyinka was diagnosed of Prostrate Cancer in December 2013 and immediately began treatment. By October 2014, he was given a clean bill of health and the Octogenarian shared his Cancer story at a press conference on Ebola in Ogun state.