Singer Joanna Dong Realises She Has Stage 1 Cancer; Had Initially Thought She Has No Cancer

Home-grown singer-actress Joanna Dong recently faced an unexpected twist in her health journey.

It all started when the 42-year-old had noticed a bloody discharge from her right breast. After consulting a specialist, they recommended tests and scans for the unusual symptom.

To her relief, initial results showed no signs of cancer, but there were atypical cells in her right breast. She then went through a minor operation to remove a small segment and some ducts. 

She then updated worried fans and loved ones on her Instagram page, uploading a picture of her post-surgery along with an in-depth story of her health scare.

However, she was not quite out of the woods yet. Just when Dong thought the worst was over, she was met with a “plot twist”.

The lab report came back with concerning news: they had found a tiny 7mm cancer tumour, completely separate from the initial issue that led her to the hospital in the first place.

She shared this journey with her fans on social media again on a post dated 11 July. In the video, she assured everyone not to be alarmed.

Despite the unexpected diagnosis, she remained positive, assuring those who are concerned that the tumour was very small, in its early stages, and hormone-sensitive, making it very treatable.

Dong, who is beloved for her soulful jazz vocals, first gained fame as a contestant in the inaugural season of Singapore Idol, where she placed in the top 40.

Over the years, she released multiple tracks and starred in various musicals, including “If There’re Seasons” and “Liao Zhai Rocks”.

In 2017, Joanna participated in the second season of the Chinese reality talent show Sing! China, where she joined Jay Chou’s team and placed third that season (THE JAY CHOU?!).

She also released her new single “Definitely” in April earlier this year.

Silver Linings and Future Plans

On her Instagram post’s caption, Joanna delved into further details on her condition and treatment plan.

She said that positron emission tomography (PET) scans and a lymph node biopsy showed that the rest of her body was fortunately clear of cancer.

She will undergo radiation therapy and hormone therapy, but thankfully, no chemotherapy is needed. Her doctors have assured her of a full recovery, and she is determined to get back on stage as soon as possible.

Originally slated to perform in the National Day Parade (NDP) this upcoming 9 August, Dong had to miss a few rehearsals due to her health condition.

Local singer Tay Kexin stepped in for the rehearsals, but it’s still uncertain if Dong will perform on the actual day. Despite this setback, she remains hopeful and looks forward to performing again soon.

Rounding off the Instagram post, the singer made sure to express her gratitude towards her healthcare providers, friends and family for their concern and encouragement, writing, “I feel so very blessed and loved.”

While she navigates this challenging time, her fans and followers continue to send her love, prayers, and good vibes.

They wrote, “Please take care, and we look forward to you performing on stage whenever you are ready!” and “May all the good and positive energies reach you and keep you safe and completely healed and ridden from this nasty disease!”

Here’s to hoping Joanna Dong makes a swift recovery and graces us with her beautiful vocals once again.