DISCLOSED! Wole Soyinka, treated for prostrate cancer

Renowned playwright and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, on Tuesday disclosed that he has cancer. He said he was diagnosed of the disease last December.

Prof Wole Soyinka flanked by his son, Olaokun (left) and Prof. Olu Williams PHOTO: Ernest Nwokolo/The Nation

He made the disclosure at a press conference at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Although the playwright did not disclose the disease he was treated for, The Nation quoted his son, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, who is the Commissioner for Health in Ogun State, as saying that his father was treated for “prostate cancer”.

The playwright said he had decided to come out with his condition in order to create awareness about cancer and to help people take measures to prevent it or seek prompt medical attention for cure.

According to him, early detection, treatment and proper dieting all helped him to survive the disease which he said was part of his family’s history.