Exercise is one of cervical cancer survivor Jane's passions.
At 64 years old, Jane Chin's days are busy with babysitting her five grandchildren, organising community gatherings, volunteering at her temple and doing lots of exercise. After battling and overcoming cervical cancer 10 years ago, Jane regards life as a blessing and approaches it with vigour.
Growing up active
Jane taking a break from canoeing.
Growing up, Jane and her nine siblings spent her school holidays cycling around Pulau Tekong, where her grandparents lived. Physical activity and sports were a big part of her childhood. That didn't change when she became an adult – cycling, swimming, canoeing, aqua aerobics are Jane's passions now.
An unexpected diagnosis
In early 2014, when Jane was 54 years old and busy working as an operations manager, she started to experience irregular vaginal bleeding. Thinking it was a symptom of impending menopause, she didn't do anything about it initially. However, when the bleeding became increasingly heavy and painful, Jane knew something was wrong. She went to the polyclinic for a checkup and was immediately referred to KK Women and Children's Hospital, where she had further checks and scans. She was with her two sisters at the medical appointment when the doctor disclosed that Jane had Stage 2 cervical cancer.
"I was in a daze and my sisters were in shock," said Jane. "I've always led a very active and healthy lifestyle and there is no history of cervical cancer in our family, so it was totally unexpected."
Jane sought her doctor's permission and to go on a meditation retreat and gather her strength before she started treatment. Once she returned to Singapore, she underwent six sessions of chemotherapy and 32 sessions of radiotherapy.
Family strength and support at this crucial time
During her treatment, Jane moved in with her 78-year-old mother, who became her main caregiver, preparing meals and tending to her needs. As her mother lived close to East Coast Park, Jane would take walks by the beach in the mornings and meditate by the seaside.
Jane's son and twin daughters rallied around her at this time to offer moral support, together with her many siblings. They visited often to keep her company, chat with her and cheer her up. Her friends also supported her recovery by accompanying her to medical appointments and giving her moral support. Jane completed her treatment in September 2014.
"I am thankful that my treatment went smoothly. Apart from having no appetite and losing weight, I experienced very few side effects."
Back to active living
After completing cancer treatment, Jane went back to doing all the sports she loved.
After completing treatment, Jane gradually increased her physical activity. Slow walks progressed to brisk walks, and over time Jane started cycling, joined kick-boxing and high intensity interval training classes and even took up aqua aerobics!
Travelling is also a big feature of her life now. She has travelled overseas to Japan and Australia with her siblings, and even goes on overseas hiking excursions with her walking group, "The Skywalkers" to various countries.
Travel is a big part of Jane's life. Here she is on a trip to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, United States.
At home, she also has an active lifestyle with her family, regularly cycling around her Punggol neighbourhood with her children and five grandchildren.
Jane took a break from work while undergoing treatment but resumed a year later in 2015 and finally retired in 2022. Post-retirement, she decided to go back to work two years ago and does part-time administrative work at a Buddhist temple. Jane is also an active member of the Punggol Link Committee that keeps an eye on and plans events for the community.
Get regular checks
The biggest change that Jane has made in her life since recovering from cervical cancer is to slow down and be more mindful.
Jane has recovered from cervical cancer and now has follow-up appointments once every six months and goes for annual pap smears. By sharing her story, she wants more women to be aware of cervical cancer and the need to get screened.
Cervical cancer is the 10th most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Singapore. However, it is highly preventable with regular screening through pap smears. Pap smears test for abnormal cells and human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the cells of the cervix and can cause cancer to develop. Detecting pre-cancerous cells enables early treatment. In addition, HPV vaccinations are available for adolescents and young women to reduce the risk of cervical cancer. *
"I encourage my daughters and all women I know to get regular checks and always advise them that if something does not feel right, don't wait, just get it checked," said Jane.
Jane says that since she was diagnosed 10 years ago the biggest change she has made is to slow down.
"I may do a lot of exercise and have many commitments, but I take my time and am more intentional with my actions," said Jane. "Meditation continues to help me stay calm and grounded and is an important part not just of my recovery, but, of my life today." *For more information on cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccinations, speak to your general practitioner (GP).
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