Listen to your body

Cancer survivor Ooi Soo Nee offers a simple way to stay healthy

Be attentive to the changes in your body. If in doubt, check with a doctor.

This is the message cancer warrior Madam Ooi Soo Nee wants to share with others. The cancer survivor, who battled Stage III womb cancer in 2005 and thus far succeeded to steer away from the disease, tells others the simple way to stay in the pink of health: “Don’t ignore the signs; you are the only person who would know that something is wrong with your body system.”

A strong advocator of Parkway Cancer Centre’s (PCC) “I am Cancer Warrior” campaign, the bubbly 50-year-old said that cancer survivorship motivated her to spread the word on cancer awareness and now volunteers her services to support others affected by cancer.

“There are people with the mindset that cancer is a death sentence but with medical advances these days, coupled with a dedicated team of doctors, cancer can be beaten.”

Dr Khoo Kei Siong, Deputy Medical Director of PCC, took care of Madam Ooi and admires her spirit.

“We treated her both with chemotherapy and radiation and at first, side effects turned her off treatment. But she came around and became very positive. She also encouraged and supported others in their journey – and sometimes the mental state makes a big difference in the outcome,” he said.

The survival rate for Stage III womb cancer beyond five years is 50 per cent, so Madam Ooi who has crossed this five year mark, certainly has cause to celebrate.

She is a “true warrior” he said, not just beating the disease herself but also arming others to do the same.

The mother of two, who has taken steps to encourage her family and friends on getting regular health check-ups, also explained the importance of taking control of one’s health: “Catch it early rather than delay it; do not fear going to the doctor for it may be too late by the time you discover it.”

Madam Ooi, who credits her family as her tower of love and support, added that being positive remains the most important aspect of her road to recovery.

“Keep a positive mindset; fight this battle head-on with the support of your loved ones and you’ll prevail as a true cancer warrior.”