Singaporean singer Joanna Dong discovers she has Stage 1 cancer after minor surgery

Singaporean singer Joanna Dong revealed on Jul 11 that her doctors have discovered a 7mm tumour in her body following her minor breast surgery – despite previously believing she had no cancer.

In a video posted on her Instagram page, Joanna, 42, first thanked her followers for their love and support, saying that their well wishes "gave (her) a lot strength". She then gave an update on her health condition, prefacing it by asking her followers to not be alarmed.

Joanna shared that when the lab reports of her surgery came back, her doctors were "very, very surprised" to discover a 7mm tumour outside her breast ducts. However, she clarified that this tumour "is a completely separate issue from the breast discharge" that led to her previous surgery.

"On one hand, of course it's stressful and disappointing to find out that I do have cancer. But the good news is that it's very, very tiny; it's in its early stages – it's Stage 1...and it's a hormone-sensitive cancer which, as I understand, is very treatable."

Joanna added that she and her doctors were looking to treat the cancer via radiation therapy and hormone therapy and concluded that it was a "silver lining" that they caught it early.

She then assured her followers, saying: "So I'm going to be fine. My doctors tell me I should make a full recovery and I trust them. So everyone, don't worry...Please just pray for me. Send me good energy, good vibes and I will see you at my next performance very soon."

Joanna had been slated to perform at this year's National Day Parade. However, given her health condition, she has missed a few rehearsals, and singer Tay Kexin has been performing in her place. It is not known if she will still perform on Aug 9.

Joanna Dong first gained fame as a contestant in the first season of the singing competition Singapore Idol where she placed within the top 40. Over the years, Joanna has released multiple tracks and starred in various musicals including If There’re Seasons and Liao Zhai Rocks.

In 2017, Joanna took part in the second season of the Chinese reality talent show Sing! China where she was a member of Jay Chou's team. Joanna ended up placing third that season.