Wrestler grapples with nasopharyngeal cancer

This April, we celebrate Nasopharyngeal Cancer (NPC) Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the challenges, breakthroughs and stories of those affected by the disease. Commonly known as nose cancer, NPC is often diagnosed in young men in the prime of their lives. 

From referee to referrals  

In late 2022, former national wrestler Looi Yuan Hui, was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and began his journey to overcome it. (Credit: Looi Yuan Hui) 

In December 2022, 36-year-old former national wrestler Looi Yuan Hui noticed a painless lump in his neck during the Christmas festive season. Having just returned from refereeing wrestling at the SEA Games in Cambodia, Yuan Hui dismissed the swelling at first.

When it did not subside, he went to see his GP who referred him to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist who ordered a CT scan, nasal scan and biopsy, and conducted a physical examination.

“I remember his eyes widening and his audible concern as he examined my nostrils and knew something was wrong,” recalled Yuan Hui.

Navigating treatment with determination 

Yuan Hui was then referred to Associate Professor Melvin Chua, Head of the Department of Head & Neck and Thoracic Radiation Oncology at the National Cancer Centre Singapore. A PET scan and MRI confirmed the diagnosis – stage 4 NPC.

While Yuan Hui was not completely surprised at the cancer diagnosis, it was still a huge blow. He was young and very fit, so he was recommended to start a rigorous treatment regime immediately for the best possible outcome. 

Beginning in May 2023, he underwent three cycles of induction chemotherapy to shrink the cancer cells, followed by six weeks of radiotherapy (35 sessions) and three cycles of concurrent chemotherapy. Although he experienced side effects, including fatigue, nausea, and persistent hiccups, Yuan Hui persevered.

After active treatment, he continued with low and frequent doses of oral chemotherapy for another year. This metronomic dosing approach has been shown to improve the chances of successful treatment for advanced-stage NPC patients, increasing survival odds from 75% to 85%.

Giving back as a clinical trial participant
Yuan Hui also participated in the RIBBON-UM (Umbrella) study, a clinical trial for NPC patients. Since the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is often associated with NPC, the trial individualises treatment based on the cancer stage and each patient’s EBV DNA levels. It is thought that patients with higher levels of the virus are at higher risk of developing NPC. The treatment plan for participants of the trial with higher EBV levels like Yuan Hui, involves induction chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy.

By enrolling in the clinical trial, Yuan Hui has contributed valuable knowledge that will help improve treatments for NPC patients in the future.

The power of physical and mental strength 

Even while undergoing cancer treatment Yuan Hui would wrestle, timing the grappling sessions between treatment cycles so he would be at his strongest. (Credit: Looi Yuan Hui) 

Even while undergoing aggressive cancer treatment, Yuan Hui did not stop being physically active. During the 18 weeks of active treatment, he carefully timed his exercise between treatment cycles - resting in the first week after chemotherapy, taking walks with his mother in the second week, and hitting the gym or wrestling in the third week.  

In fact, Yuan Hui credits his ability to get through his cancer journey to the mental strength he developed while overcoming a serious knee injury at the age of 28. The multiple ligament tears ended his professional athletic career and left him dependent on his family while he was reliant on a wheelchair for a period of time.  

“It was a humbling experience that taught me there’s more to life than illness. It definitely motivated me to rebuild my strength during and after my cancer treatment,” he shared.

It takes a village

Colleagues were key in supporting Yuan Hui during his journey in resuming work after treatment - here they are at the annual company dinner in January 2025. (Credit: Looi Yuan Hui) 

Yuan Hui was supported along every step of his cancer journey by his family, friends, and girlfriend, who accompanied him to appointments and kept his spirits high.

He took a break from his work as a senior trainer at Gym Tonic, a gym for seniors when he was first diagnosed, but gradually returned to work part-time in late 2023, and was back to full-time work in 2024 thanks to the encouragement of his bosses. 

Yuan Hui finds that his experience as a cancer patient allows him to relate better to his elderly clients.

Celebrating 7 years of service with a client and fellow Gym Tonic trainers. 

(Credit: Looi Yuan Hui)

“I understand their symptoms, like numbness in the feet and develop training plans that meet their needs,” he said. “I also know that for all of us—the most important thing is to be healthy and content in life.”

Looking to the future with hope

Yuan Hui has been busy travelling since he completed treatment. Here he is on holiday with his mum, girlfriend 

(in red) and sister. (Credit: Looi Yuan Hui) 

Yuan Hui and his girlfriend enjoying a moment together in Taiwan. 

(Credit: Looi Yuan Hui) 

Yuan Hui has been busy since he completed treatment. In addition to work, exercise and refereeing wrestling, he travels regularly with his loved ones. He and his girlfriend have applied for a BTO flat and have plans get married!

Yuan Hui goes for regular monitoring scans every three to six months and still experiences “scanxiety” — the feeling of dread that many cancer patients feel before receiving scan results. But with reassurance that the scans show that he is cancer-free, Yuan Hui looks ahead with optimism, ready to embrace life beyond cancer.