When breast cancer strikes young, it disrupts life’s trajectory in unimaginable ways—especially for new mothers like Ms. Dawn Chua. Her experience of grappling with this disease amid the challenges of early motherhood is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, and her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and support.
In 2006, at just 14, Ms. Chua faced her first encounter with breast cancer when her mother, Mrs. Mabel Chua, was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer.
“I remember crying because, back then, technology wasn’t so advanced, and there were a lot of unknowns,” she recalls. Despite her family’s fears, her mother overcame the disease through chemotherapy and a mastectomy.
Then, in 2017, cancer struck the family again, claiming the life of her father, who succumbed to late-stage esophageal cancer.
In 2022, Ms. Chua herself was diagnosed with Stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer just a year after welcoming her first child, Matthias, and three years after marrying her university sweetheart. She had always been diligent about breast health, yet her last check-up had been delayed due to the pandemic, pregnancy, and the whirlwind of early parenthood.
The diagnosis was devastating; she recalls asking herself, “Why me?” as she worried about her family, her career, and her dreams for the future.
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The Strength to Fight Breast Cancer: Finding Motivation in Family and Support
With an early diagnosis, Ms. Chua found that her cancer was treatable, which eased her initial fears. She found solidarity in a Breast Cancer Foundation Telegram group, where other survivors shared their experiences. Her mother, a survivor herself, became her rock, reassuring her that advances in cancer treatment had made recovery more attainable.
Her mother’s journey became a guiding light during this tough period. “Seeing her go from very weak to fully recovered gave me the confidence that I could fight this,” Ms. Chua says.
The mutual support and understanding between mother and daughter were central to her recovery, with both facing their own battles yet sharing a bond strengthened by resilience.
Ms. Chua’s treatment involved four months of chemotherapy, a year of immunotherapy, and a double mastectomy after genetic testing revealed she carried the BRCA1 gene, which increased her risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Throughout this time, her family was her lifeline.
Her husband, the “pillar” in her words, accompanied her to every appointment, balancing work and caregiving to ensure she never felt alone. Their support system included her in-laws, aunt, and mother, who all took turns caring for her son while she focused on recovery.
Lessons in Health and Family: A New Perspective
Navigating breast cancer as a young mother taught Ms. Chua the importance of prioritizing health. It’s a lesson she wants other parents to take to heart: “No matter how busy we are, we shouldn’t neglect health and family,” she advises. Even though she wished to have more children, she chose not to freeze her eggs, as it would have delayed her treatment.
Source: The Strait Times
Yet, after completing chemotherapy, she was overjoyed to learn that her fertility remained intact, and she welcomed her daughter, Natalie, in August 2024—a moment she describes as nothing short of miraculous.
For Ms. Chua, the experience brought clarity and purpose. She resumed activities she loved, such as running and yoga, and left her full-time job in 2023 to reconsider her career path. Eventually, she found a flexible part-time role that allowed her to work and care for her family, later transitioning to a full-time position in early 2024.
Early Detection: A Lifesaving Priority
Source: The Strait Times
Ms. Chua’s journey underscores the significance of early detection. Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate based on age, and it’s on the rise among women under 45 in Singapore. For young mothers and women with a family history of breast cancer, regular self-exams and screenings are vital.
“Cancer is not as scary as a lot of people perceive it to be,” Ms. Chua emphasizes. “Accept it, explore your options, and remember that early detection makes it treatable.”
In Singapore, one in six women diagnosed with breast cancer is under 45, and medical professionals recommend women between 20 and 39 perform monthly self-examinations, while those aged 40 to 49 should get annual mammograms. Ms. Chua’s advice to mothers: pay attention to changes, even subtle ones, in your body. The breast cancer journey isn’t easy, but awareness and action can make all the difference.
Giving Back, Reaching Out to Others
Now more empathetic than ever, Ms. Chua supports others battling cancer. When she lost her hair and wore caps during treatment, strangers would often approach her with words of encouragement. Inspired by their kindness, she now reaches out to those facing similar challenges, reminding them of their strength. “I’ve been through this, and I know it’s tough right now. You might not imagine yourself walking out of this, but you will,” she says.
Ms. Chua’s journey is a moving reminder that breast cancer can impact anyone at any stage. Her story urges parents to prioritize health checks, practice self-examinations, and seek help promptly if they notice unusual symptoms.
Breast cancer is a battle, but with early detection, treatment options, and strong support, the journey can lead to hope and healing.
So, parents, take a cue from Ms. Chua’s resilience and make regular health screenings a priority—for yourselves and your families. You never know; it might just save a life.
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