At 32, Rebecca Oh was excited to embark on a new chapter of her life—starting a family. However, just a year into her in-vitro fertilization journey, she received unexpected news: she had uterine cancer.

"I never thought I would get cancer. When you see it on TV, the individuals typically fit a certain profile in terms of age and appearance," Rebecca, now 37, shared with AsiaOne. "I thought: 'Is this real?' It's surreal, very bizarre."

As a younger cancer patient, Rebecca faced unique challenges on her journey. She experienced a profound sense of loss as she realized she could no longer maintain her previous level of independence.

Everyday tasks like shopping for groceries, showering, or even taking a walk downstairs became reliant on others for help.

Another significant challenge for Rebecca was finding peers who understood her situation, as most cancer patients she encountered were older than her.

"When I attend support groups or social services, I often find it hard to relate. The experiences they share don't match the life stage I'm in," she explained. "While others discuss grandchildren and retirement, I'm focused on how I can return to work if my symptoms or side effects don't improve." Rebecca noted that despite sharing similar journeys, she felt disconnected from others.

Recognizing this gap, Rebecca, a trained counselor, founded Strong Olive, a free support network in Singapore designed specifically for cancer patients aged 18 to 45.

During the official launch of Strong Olive on March 28, Dr. Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower, highlighted the increasing incidence of cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, in Singapore. According to the latest Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report, there were 4,995 cancer diagnoses for those under 40 from 2019 to 2023, representing a 34% increase from 2003 to 2007.

"Cancer can present itself in various forms, making it hard to recognize the signs, especially in younger individuals who may attribute their symptoms to stress or a hectic lifestyle," Dr. Koh, also a colorectal surgeon, emphasized. "Regardless of your age, if you experience persistent pain or discomfort, don’t ignore it. Seek a thorough check-up to understand what your body is signaling."

Supporting Young Adults with Cancer

Strong Olive currently assists 136 young adults through various psychosocial programs, including support groups like Moving Mountains and The Walking Club, alongside services that encompass psychosocial support, counseling, physiotherapy, nutrition guidance, community bonding activities, and practical navigation assistance.

"I wanted to create something to alleviate the loneliness I felt, so I decided to start this initiative. I began reaching out to others to form a community to support young adults with cancer," Rebecca explained.

She noted that the initiative was softly launched in March of the previous year.

Among the members of the Strong Olive community is 32-year-old Osten Mah, who was diagnosed with sebaceous carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer, shortly after his wedding in October 2024.

Initially, Osten attributed irritation in his lower right eyelid to sensitivity from makeup on his wedding day. However, after several months of persistence, he sought medical advice and learned of his diagnosis.

"I always associated cancer with older individuals; I lead an active lifestyle—running and playing badminton regularly," he told AsiaOne. "The diagnosis caught me off guard."

Reflecting on the day he received the news, Osten's first thought was, "Why me?"

"I was in a transitional phase—newly married, having just moved into a new home and preparing to start a new job in public service. Then, this curveball hit me," he recalled.

The news also disrupted Osten's family planning, as he worried that his condition might be hereditary.

"Family planning was a significant concern for me as a newlywed," he explained. "Before my diagnosis, I wanted to have kids, but afterward, I was apprehensive about passing on my condition to them."

Due to the aggressive nature of his cancer, Osten underwent partial removal of both eyelids and a lymph node dissection in his neck the previous year. Throughout the ordeal, he found strength in the support from his family and community.

"After my diagnosis, I immediately created two group chats with my colleagues, supervisors, and church group. Community became vital for me," he stated. "My wife was a calming presence, my colleagues prayed for me, and my church members provided guidance. As my cancer journey grew more daunting, so did my support network, which offered me immense comfort. I realized I was never alone."

Now in the monitoring phase post-surgery, Osten admitted he still struggles with sleepless nights, contemplating his diagnosis and its implications.

"I find myself pondering why this happened to me," he said, which prompted him to seek the support of Strong Olive.

He began attending events organized by the support group, where he connected with others who shared similar experiences. Recently, he participated in a Chinese New Year celebration with the group, where he made new friends alongside his family. He found it heartwarming to see families and caregivers of cancer patients gather to support one another.

Another member of Strong Olive is 41-year-old Poh Yee Hui, diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2021. The wellness consultant from Malaysia noticed blood clots at work but initially dismissed them as minor issues.

With no additional symptoms or pain, Yee Hui was stunned by her diagnosis. "I always believed cancer was something that happens to older individuals, so receiving a Stage 4 diagnosis in my 30s was shocking," she shared.

Her first thought upon learning of her condition was, "I cannot die before my parents." As the eldest daughter, she felt compelled to remain strong and hid her illness from her parents for over a year while undergoing treatment.

During video calls with her family, she deliberately avoided looking like a patient to prevent them from suspecting anything. It was only when the cancer spread to her liver that she decided to inform them, following a prognosis that indicated she might have only two to five years to live.

Despite the grim prognosis, Yee Hui refused to surrender. "I reminded myself that survival rates are just statistics. I won't let the two-to-five-year timeline dictate my actions; I'll continue to do whatever I can," she asserted.

Yet even the strongest individuals require a support system. As a founding member of Strong Olive, Yee Hui cherished her experiences during monthly Walking Club outings at various parks and nature reserves.

"I enjoy walking, and during these outings, we chat and support each other," she said.

To those facing similar challenges, Yee Hui advised, "What has happened has happened, so accept it and make the necessary changes. Listen to the professionals—doctors and nurses. It's normal to feel scared or overwhelmed, but we are stronger than we realize."

She emphasized the importance of prevention. "I understand that going for cancer screenings can be daunting, but early detection can prevent the need for extensive treatments and increase the chances of cure."

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