Nollywood actress and producer Abimbola Craig recently shared a deeply personal and alarming health experience. She recounted how an unexpected occurrence—producing breast milk despite not being pregnant—led her to one of the most shocking discoveries of her life. Here’s her story in her own words.
Abimbola revealed that the unusual symptom initially made her hesitant to seek medical attention, partly due to the common tendency in Nigeria to attribute health issues to weight. She explained, “I told my mom that I didn’t want to go [to the hospital] because they always say it’s about weight. Everything in Nigeria is always about weight first.”
However, during a trip to the U.S. for her brother’s wedding, her family persuaded her to undergo a checkup at Northside Hospital. There, she underwent an MRI and a mammogram. While the mammogram came back normal, the MRI revealed a startling diagnosis—a tumor on her pituitary gland.
“The pituitary gland sends signals to your body and can cause it to produce milk,” Abimbola explained. “The tumor was pressing against the gland, tricking my body into thinking I was pregnant.” She was then presented with two treatment options: take medication for the rest of her life to shrink the tumor or undergo surgery to remove it.
This experience highlights the complexity of the human body and underscores the importance of seeking medical advice when unusual symptoms occur. Abimbola’s story serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize health and pay attention to our bodies.