Singer Yu Tian, 77, said he had his entire prostate removed due to cancer
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Singer Yu Tian disclosed that he underwent cataract surgery almost a year ago, which has significantly improved his vision.
PHOTO: YU TIAN/FACEBOOK
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Taiwanese singer Yu Tian, whose health has drawn attention in recent years, is now in remission from cancer and is enjoying clear vision again.
The 77-year-old, who rose to prominence with the song Under The Banyan Tree (1977), was diagnosed with Stage 3 prostate cancer in late 2017 and underwent surgery in early 2018.
The former legislator spoke to the media about overcoming his medical challenges at a press conference in Taipei. It was organised by veteran Taiwanese TV host Hu Gua on Dec 11 to promote the star-studded Stage Night charity concert in March.
Yu said: “My prostate has been completely removed and I underwent radiation therapy 99 times. I go for health screening every year and the results show there are no cancerous cells.”
He now sleeps separately from his wife, Taiwanese singer Li Ya-ping, 75, which he said allows him to get a full eight hours of sleep daily instead of six hours in the past.
He also disclosed that he underwent cataract surgery almost a year ago, which has significantly improved his vision.
He has largely stepped back from the entertainment industry and politics after his second daughter Yuan-chi died of cancer at the age of 39
Yu said he now leads a leisurely semi-retired life, but still receives several invitations to perform.
“I genuinely don’t want to sing any more, not even for American dollars,” he said. “I’ve turned down many gigs since last year, including shows in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia – about six or seven.”
Yu and his wife were in the news in June 2024 when they sought guardianship of their late daughter’s two children
The couple have since given up the legal battle to seek guardianship after Chen was given a suspended jail sentence of five years
Yu said it has been a year since he was last in contact with his grandchildren and has stopped trying.
“I haven’t heard from them lately and no one answers my calls,” he said. “Of course, I hope to see them during Chinese New Year, but right now, I just can’t get in touch with them.”
