When veteran Yoruba actress Motunde Ogundimu recently opened up about her battle with Stage 2 cervical cancer, many Nigerians were moved by her honesty. Speaking during an emotional interview shared by actress Biola Bayo on July 14, 2026, Ogundimu revealed that she has been living with the illness since 2024, enduring severe pain while her children struggle to keep up with the cost of her treatment.
Beyond her appeal for financial support, her story has sparked an important conversation about a disease that affects thousands of women every year. Although cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women, it is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early.
Here is everything you should know about cervical cancer, from its causes and symptoms to prevention, treatment and the lessons from Motunde Ogundimu’s courageous revelation.
Who Is Motunde Ogundimu?
Omotunde Apinke Ogundimu is a respected Yoruba Nollywood actress who has spent over 35 years in the Nigerian movie industry. She has featured in several films, including Abiamo Tooto (2007), Igba Ewa (2008) and Birthday Party (2023), where she played Mama Ayo.
Away from the screen, life has not been easy for the actress. She became a widow after losing her husband in 2012 and has since raised her three children as a single mother.
This is also not her first major health challenge. In 2014, she underwent surgery after suffering from severe fibroids, with the help of public donations.
Today, she is once again asking Nigerians for support as she battles cervical cancer.
Motunde Ogundimu’s Emotional Revelation
During her appearance on Biola Bayo’s Talk to B podcast, Ogundimu disclosed that she has been battling Stage 2 cervical cancer since 2024.
Fighting back tears, she described the pain as unbearable and admitted that seeking public help was not an easy decision. In her words:
“I’m going through severe pain. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I don’t know where I got it from. I don’t look for people’s trouble; I’m an easy-going person.”
She explained that while a few people had supported her, the financial burden of treatment had become overwhelming for her family. She said:
“My children have spent all they have. My children are now exhausting their income on me. They can no longer care for themselves.”
The actress said she had resisted asking the public for help but had reached a point where she had no other choice. Fighting back tears, she continued:
“I know people will bully me and some will help me. I just have to cry out for help so that I can survive this deadly disease because I don’t have anything left.”
Motunde Ogundimu also spoke about another painful reality. She revealed that there has been a decline in her acting opportunities despite spending more than three decades in Nollywood. She said:
“I don’t usually get jobs. I have called my colleagues in the industry to beg them for movie roles… I have been doing this job for 35 years.”
Her story has not only drawn sympathy but has also brought attention to a disease many people know very little about. Several actors took to the comment section of the post to express shock over the revelation while many fans promised to help financially.
What Is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of a woman’s womb (uterus) that connects to the vagina.
It usually develops slowly over several years. Before cancer forms, the cells in the cervix often go through abnormal changes that can be detected and treated early.
This is why regular screening is so important.
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
Almost every case of cervical cancer is linked to a long-lasting infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus that spreads through sexual contact.
Most people who get HPV never develop cancer because the body’s immune system clears the infection naturally. However, when certain high-risk types of HPV remain in the body for many years, they can cause changes in the cervix that may eventually become cancer.
Other factors that increase the risk include:
- Smoking.
- A weakened immune system, such as in people living with HIV.
- Skipping regular cervical cancer screening.
- Long-term HPV infection.
Having cervical cancer does not mean someone has done something wrong. HPV is very common, and many people are infected without ever knowing it.
Symptoms Every Woman Should Know
One of the biggest dangers of cervical cancer is that it often causes no symptoms in its early stages.
As the disease progresses, signs may include:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding, especially after sex, between periods or after menopause.
- Menstrual periods that become heavier or last longer than usual.
- Watery, bloody or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Lower back pain.
Because these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, it is important to see a healthcare professional rather than assume they will go away.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Although cervical cancer can affect women of different ages, the risk increases when certain factors are present.
Women may be at higher risk if they:
- Have a persistent HPV infection.
- Smoke cigarettes.
- Have a weakened immune system.
- Do not go for routine cervical screening.
- Delay seeking medical attention when symptoms appear.
Experts also note that while cervical cancer is more common in middle-aged women, younger women can also develop it.
Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?
The encouraging news is that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Doctors recommend:
HPV vaccination: The vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. It works best when given before exposure to the virus.
Regular screening: Pap smears and HPV tests can detect abnormal cells before they turn into cancer.
Healthy lifestyle: Avoiding smoking and maintaining good overall health can also help reduce the risk.
These simple steps have saved countless lives around the world.
How Is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed and Treated?
Doctors may use several tests to diagnose cervical cancer, including:
- Pap smear.
- HPV test.
- Colposcopy.
- Biopsy, where a small tissue sample is examined.
Treatment depends on how advanced the cancer is. Early-stage cervical cancer can often be treated successfully with surgery. More advanced cases may require:
- Radiotherapy.
- Chemotherapy.
- Surgery to remove part or all of the uterus.
- Targeted therapy or immunotherapy in selected cases.
The earlier the disease is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment.
Conclusion
Motunde Ogundimu’s emotional revelation has done more than draw attention to her personal struggle. It has started an important conversation about a disease that claims the lives of many women but can often be prevented.
Her courage in speaking out serves as a reminder that early screening, prompt medical care and greater awareness can make a life-changing difference.
As the veteran actress continues her fight against cervical cancer, many Nigerians are hoping for her recovery. Sometimes, the most powerful role an actor plays is not on a movie set but in inspiring others to take action and possibly save their own lives.
