Woman diagnosed with breast cancer 2 days after finding out she's pregnant

At 35, Ms Andrea Lim learnt that she was pregnant. But two days later, her world turned upside down - she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Ms Lim first noticed an itch on her right nipple and assumed it was a yeast infection. In 2024, she underwent a mammogram and an ultrasound, both of which initially cleared her of a cancer diagnosis, with no lumps or abnormalities.

However, her body did not respond to steroid medication, and a biopsy later confirmed she had breast cancer.

Due to the clear mammogram and ultrasound results, as well as the fact that she had no lumps, she thought the cancer would be an early-stage diagnosis. She consulted the anaesthetist and gynaecologist, who confirmed that her baby would not be harmed while undergoing treatment. She went ahead with breast-conserving surgery and axillary clearance.

But a week after her surgery, the nurse called and asked her to meet the surgeon with her husband, a request hinting that the result was not good.

"Because both (my husband and I) are... problem-solvers at heart, we decided that we would set the intention that we should save (me) first," she said.

The surgery histology confirmed Ms Lim had a tumour larger than 5.5cm that involved the lymph nodes. Further scans led to a diagnosis of stage four breast cancer, and she aborted the baby.

Life came to a grinding halt for the senior analyst, who was pursuing her Master of Business Administration. She had to undergo eight months of primary treatment, which included chemotherapy, radiotherapy and two surgical procedures, including a double mastectomy.

The chemotherapy left her feeling sick and restless, but she eventually went back to work and resumed her studies. She began to jog daily and returned to dance three months after her diagnosis.

A ballet and contemporary dancer for nearly two decades, she also returned to performing and even tried modelling.

On March 7, 2025, Ms Lim, 35, took part in the Courage Catwalk 2025 fashion show to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF).

The event, held at Sofitel Singapore City Centre in conjunction with International Women's Day on March 8, raised about $35,000.

Ms Lim was one of 20 "pink warriors" who strutted down the runway in vibrant costumes created by six graduates from Lasalle College of the Arts, each inspired by Singapore's diverse cultures.

As she walked the runway, Ms Lim carried with her a newfound perspective on life.

"In the past, I would have choreographed my performances to the tee, but I told myself I didn't want to stress myself out and (I should) just flow with the music," said the dancer who used to practise rigorously to perfect her moves, timing and beats.

"Tonight was different - I no longer fixate on such things. I want to enjoy and live in the present moment."

Ms Lim, who now has short hair, was styled for the show by professional hairstylists and make-up artists.

Recounting her experience with hair loss, she said it was the most tangible way cancer had affected her.

"All my friends know I had a lot of hair. It's like a lion's mane - I always tied it up in a top knot, and you could see from afar that it was me."

Now that she has completed her primary treatment, her hair has started to grow. She will begin adjuvant therapy on March 10 to lower the risk of a relapse.

Ms Lim said her husband Chong Ser Jing, a 37-year-old fund manager, and her family were crucial in her recovery. Her brother, husband, and cousin even offered to shave their heads in support.

Ms Lim and her husband hope to have biological children if her scans are clear in three years' time. But as she will turn 39 by then, she is open to adoption.

Mr Chong said: "She has handled this like a champ. All along, she never felt sorry for herself. She was always very courageous in facing this whole thing. I feel very proud of her."

Ms Lim learnt about BCF when she met a cancer survivor in a Facebook forum. Seeking advice on whether to undergo a double mastectomy, she was encouraged by her friend's words.

"She told me that she has never regretted that decision. And when I heard that, immediately I knew... that would be the right choice... that rock just lifted."

Now, Ms Lim actively participates in BCF events like the fashion show and hopes to encourage women to go for early screening.

"The camaraderie here is unlike anywhere else. This is something you will never feel elsewhere because we all go through the same thing."

Ms Lim is part of the young women's support group at BCF.

Her advice to cancer patients: "Don't be afraid, because things will fall nicely into place. We adapt really well. We are stronger and more resilient than we think.

"Trust yourselves. Give yourselves time, do things that you can control, and achieve small wins. The treatment, especially chemotherapy and surgery, beats us down, but we stand back up again. Stronger than we were yesterday."

Fellow "pink warrior" Nutan Choudhary, 45, said: "The word 'courage' is what inspired me to join this catwalk. It's the courage to share my story with friends and family, the courage to fight every single day."

The IT manager added: "This isn't just a catwalk - it's a platform for everyone who faces life's challenges and continues to find the strength to share their journey and raise awareness."

Another breast cancer survivor, Ms Connie Seng, 42, said: "I realised that there are many things we can't control. The only controllable factor is ourselves.

"So just do that well! Treasure the people who love us and treat us well. Let the others go, it's all right. Every day is also a miracle, a gift. So treasure it!"

BCF, a social service agency established in 1997, promotes early detection of breast cancer and supports the breast cancer community through various programmes, services and educational materials.

To find out more, visit bcf.org.sg