Nollywood actress Toyin Alausa has raised concern over the increase in the number of cancer-related deaths among her colleagues in the industry, urging awareness and access to cancer treatment.

In a lengthy post she shared via her Facebook handle on Wednesday, she said that the number of cancer-related deaths should not be treated as just statistics, questioning the continuous overdependence of public figures on donations when the ailment reaches a critical stage.

Alausa said, “In recent times, we have watched too many people in our industry lose their lives to cancer. Five, six or even more of our colleagues in one year is not just a statistic; it is a painful reminder that none of us is as safe as we think we are.

“Every loss leaves families grieving, colleagues devastated and an industry asking, who is next?

“And this is where I believe we need to have a bigger conversation. We cannot continue to wait until tragedy strikes before we mobilise money, politicians make donations, celebrities appeal for help, and the public rallies around a sick person.”

Alausa questioned why access to treatment for survival must be based on one’s status or connection, asking what happens to individuals without a platform to fund medical bills.

She emphasised that public figures and personalities should use their platforms differently to address solutions for stronger funding for access to health care for cancer treatment.

“This is why I believe those of us with influence, actors, musicians, creators, media personalities, business leaders and public figures, must begin to use our platforms differently,” she said.

She urged the government to provide improved solutions to the country’s health care system, particularly on cancer treatment and awareness.

“Because a donation can save one person today, but a functional system can save millions tomorrow,” she said, adding that “tomorrow, it could be any one of us, or someone we love.”

Her comments come following recent cancer-related deaths recorded in Nollywood in 2026, which include Alex Ekubo, Taiwo ‘Ogogo’ Hassan and Atinuke Kareem.