46-year-old woman with lung cancer draws strength from fellow patients

In early 2024, when 46-year-old Lim Chia Hui developed a persistent cough and breathlessness, she went to the GP several times and took several courses of antibiotics before she was referred to a hospital to see a specialist. Further tests in May 2024 revealed that she had stage 4 ROS1-positive lung cancer, a rare subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

When she found out, one of the first people she told was her good friend of 10 years, Anna.

“She carried half the burden for me.”

Just a few months before, Anna was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer. Chia Hui had journeyed with Anna throughout her treatment, witnessing first-hand the challenges of being diagnosed with cancer, navigating the healthcare system and clinic visits, and enduring the side effects of treatment.

As she had been on the journey with Anna, when Chia Hui was diagnosed, she had an idea what to expect and where and how to start seeking treatment.

“I felt as though Anna had already carried half the burden for me,” she recalled.

Journeying with her late friend, Anna (right), through her cancer journey, gave Chia Hui (left) an idea of what to expect when she was diagnosed with cancer eight months later. (Credit: Lim Chia Hui)

Even though she knew what to expect, Chia Hui’s fight with cancer was difficult. She first had a cycle of chemotherapy for three weeks, followed by oral targeted therapy she had to take daily. While it was effective in targeting the cancer, the therapy caused side effects including breathlessness. To manage this, her oncologist changed her medications a few times before settling on the treatment regime that she is now on.

Journeying with other cancer patients

Before they were diagnosed with cancer, Chia Hui and Anna had been active cyclists. They first met through a cycling interest group years ago and bonded over group cycling events. When cancer hit them both, they had to take a step back from strenuous activities. As they still wanted to stay active together, they picked up photography and regularly went out on photo walks.

To stay active while living with cancer, Chia Hui (bottom) and Anna (top) picked up street photography in mid-2024. They enjoyed visiting places like Joo Chiat, Chinatown and Emerald Hill for photo walks. (Credit: Lim Chia Hui)

In addition to her enduring friendship with Anna, Chia Hui has found comfort sharing experiences with other lung cancer patients through the Lung Cancer Education and Advocacy for Patients (LEAP) support group.

Chia Hui joins other lung cancer patients in the Lung Cancer Education and Advocacy for Patients (LEAP) support group on walks. (Credit: Lim Chia Hui)

Through LEAP, Chia Hui has met two other patients with the same rare ROS1-positive lung cancer subtype that she has, which has helped her to better manage her condition and its side effects.

Run for Hope

With encouragement from her doctor, Clinical Associate Professor Ang Mei-Kim, Head and Senior Consultant in NCCS’ Division of Medical Oncology, Chia Hui joined Run For Hope in November 2024. Run For Hope is an annual run organised by Four Seasons Hotel Singapore and NCCS to raise awareness and support cancer research.

From her own personal experience, Chia Hui knows that advancements in cancer therapeutics have improved her own quality of life.

“Thanks to cancer research, I am able to receive treatment mostly through oral tablets, which is convenient and doesn’t disrupt my daily life,” she shared. “Because of this I understand how vital research is to improve treatment options for anyone diagnosed with cancer.”

Chia Hui took part in Run for Hope for the second time in November 2025. Due to inflammation in her lungs, she walked the 5km route instead of running it. She was determined to complete the race in honour of Anna, who sadly passed away early last year.

Chia Hui participated in Run for Hope for the second time in November 2025. (Credit: Lim Chia Hui)

Throughout their cancer journeys, Anna and Chia Hui were one another’s confidants and pillars of support. After Anna’s passing, Chia Hui deeply missed having a friend that she could share hobbies with as well as talk to about her struggles with cancer. Their friendship showed her the importance of drawing strength from others while battling cancer. This is why she chose to honour Anna by rallying with other cancer patients and supporters at Run for Hope.

Reaching the finish line

These days, Chia Hui continues to look forward to simple joys in daily life, such as going on photo walks and spending time with her pet parrot. She has also started cycling again with a group of friends. She continues to work as a data support executive and makes it a priority to rest when she needs to.

When asked about how she stays motivated in the face of challenges, she shared, “It does not matter how fast I run, what matters is that I keep going and reach the finish line.”

She hopes that more patients who are living with cancer will reach out to the family, friends and community for support. She added, “I know it is not an easy journey, but you don’t have to go through it alone.”

There are several support groups at NCCS to support patients and their families across Singapore. If you are not sure which support group is suitable for you, contact NCCS’ Department of Psychosocial Oncology at patientsupport@nccs.com.sg or call 6306 1777.