Before cancer entered her life, Sharon Tan never imagined she would one day be living with it.
Sharon is a wife and mother to two boys. Like many working parents, her days revolved around juggling work and family. She considered herself healthy, and cancer was never something she thought would happen to her.
Several years before her diagnosis, a routine health screening had recommended that she go for regular mammograms. Although she intended to, life became busy, and those screenings gradually slipped down her list of priorities.
Then, in December 2022, Sharon discovered a lump on her neck.
Concerned, she visited a polyclinic the following month and was referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. What followed was a series of tests, scans and biopsies. At first, the focus was on the lump in her neck, but further investigations led doctors to her breast.
The diagnosis was devastating—breast cancer.
And it had already spread to her neck, lymph nodes, spine and liver.
“I always thought I was healthy,” she recalls. “It came as a huge shock.”
She underwent six rounds of chemotherapy, followed by long-term treatment that continues today. Her current routine includes daily medication and regular injections to keep the cancer under control. Thankfully, her latest scans have shown encouraging results.
“Chemo may have taken my hair but it doesn’t change who I am. Every tiny strand that grows back reminds me that healing isn’t always fast or easy but it is possible.”
Persistent diarrhoea became a side effect that, over time, her body learned to adapt to. Joint pain and fatigue, however, remain constant companions, and the exhaustion has gradually become more pronounced. She now relies on a domestic helper to assist with household chores so that she can conserve her energy.
Yet Sharon says the biggest changes have not been physical.
“Cancer changed the way I look at life.”
The diagnosis forced her to confront difficult emotions, including fear, uncertainty and resentment. Over time, she found herself returning to three principles that continue to guide her every day.
The first is forgiveness.
“Forgiveness sets you free,” she says. Learning to let go of resentment became an important part of her healing, helping her focus her energy on what truly mattered.
The second is mindfulness.
With two growing sons—one preparing for his PSLE and the other preparing for his O levels—Sharon makes a conscious effort to be fully present in the moments they share together.
Sharon celebrating her 47th birthday with family 2 months before diagnosis
The third is gratitude.
Instead of dwelling on what cancer has taken away, she chooses to focus on the blessings that remain and to make the most of each day.
Throughout her journey, Sharon has never walked alone.
Her husband stood by her side, especially during chemotherapy, while friends and colleagues took turns accompanying her to treatment sessions whenever she needed them.
She also found comfort through the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS).
Sharon joined SCS’s breast cancer support group Reach to Recovery (RTR), and found support at other activities by SCS such as K-pop dancing and art therapy.
Being surrounded by people who had walked a similar path reminded her that she was not alone. The friendships, shared experiences and encouragement she found through the group became an important source of strength, particularly on the more difficult days.
Beyond SCS, Sharon also sought counselling through a Family Service Centre and explored art therapy during treatment. Simple activities, such as painting by numbers, gave her moments of calm amid hospital appointments and ongoing treatment.
Today, Sharon is passionate about encouraging others to prioritise their health.
Looking back, she wishes she had kept up with regular mammograms after they were first recommended. She hopes that by sharing her story, more people will understand the importance of regular cancer screening and early detection. She also encourages people to ensure they have adequate insurance coverage, which can provide much-needed financial support throughout long-term treatment.
To anyone facing cancer, Sharon offers a message that is both honest and hopeful.
“Life after cancer is never the same, but there is life after cancer. It’s just a different kind of life. You are mentally stronger than you think. Live your best life, even with the limitations you may have.”