History teacher tackles rare cancer diagnosis with purpose

In 2021, 38-year-old history teacher Tan Xian Jing was excited to take part in his alma mater’s 65th anniversary running challenge. Covering a whopping 65km over two months might sound intimidating to most, but it was an exciting opportunity to show school spirit and get back in shape for the father of two.

He started slowly, running along the Punggol Waterway close to his home, and enjoyed the progress as his run times improved.

But one week he found himself struggling to keep his usual pace and felt breathless. He also noticed an unsettling change in his stools, which were sometimes black in colour. 

When the symptoms persisted for a few days, he decided to visit his GP.

An unwelcome discovery

When Xian Jing was diagnosed with cancer, his wife supported him so he could undergo treatment.

(Credit: Tan Xian Jing) 

Though Xian Jing’s GP referred him to Sengkang General Hospital's A&E, he was not very worried.

"I thought I’d be going home the same day," Xian Jing admitted. But after a consultation with a senior doctor, further tests and an overnight stay was needed. A scope soon revealed a mass in his stomach, and he was told that he needed immediate surgery to remove it.

The surgeons found an 11cm tumour in Xian Jing’s stomach. Lab tests confirmed it was a gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) – a rare form of cancer.

Recovery and targeted therapy

The first week post-surgery was tough. Simple tasks like breathing and moving were a struggle. But a key turning point came when the hospital’s physiotherapists helped him walk for the first time.

"That first few steps were a milestone and marked the start of my recovery," said Xian Jing.

He was discharged within a week and turned his attention to getting cancer-free.

Xian Jing came under the care of Assistant Professor Jason Chan, Consultant in the Division of Medical Oncology at the National Cancer Centre Singapore and a rare cancer expert. Xian Jing was diagnosed with early-stage GIST and prescribed Imatinib, a targeted oral cancer drug. Treatment was effective, but he did experience mild side effects, including lethargy and diarrhoea, which were manageable.

During this time, Xian Jing took a six-month break from work. His colleagues supported by covering his duties, allowing him to focus on recovery.

“Everyone was incredibly supportive,” shared Xian Jing. “When I went back to work in December it was a very smooth transition back to being a teacher!”

One step forward at every step of the journey  

Throughout his cancer journey, Xian Jing maintained a clear, solution-oriented mindset.

"I didn’t ask 'why me?'” he said. "Instead, I focused on the next step and didn’t look too far ahead.  I completed one thing at a time – surgery, medication, recovery."

He credits his family for giving him strength. His wife, who had previously lost her mother to late-stage lung cancer, remained calm and supportive. His young children, then aged 8 and 3, were his motivation.

"They didn’t fully understand what I was going through, but spending time with my kids brought me joy and purpose," he said.

Xian Jing’s young children gave him purpose during his cancer journey. (Credit: Tan Xian Jing) 

 Finishing strong

While recovering at home, Xian Jing was determined to complete the remaining 30km of his 65km challenge. While running was not possible, he could walk.

As a personal challenge, Xian Jing completed the 65 km running challenge by walking half the distance a mere two months after the surgery that removed his tumour. (Credit: Tan Xian Jing) 

“It was my personal challenge. Two months after surgery, I finished walking the remaining 30km!”

Today, 41-year-old Xian Jing is in remission and back to teaching and enjoying life with his family. He also volunteers with the Chinese Development Assistance Council, working on special projects that support the elderly in the community. Having experienced cancer, he empathises more deeply with others facing similar challenges.  

Reflecting now, Xian Jing is proud of how he navigated his cancer journey.

"I didn’t let cancer define me or change my life. I took it in stride, made necessary adjustments, and moved forward. Of course, when I go for follow-up scans I still feel anxious, but my mindset of taking things as they come has helped me to stay grounded."