The Usual Place Podcast

In their 30s and diagnosed with cancer: How these young adults fought the unexpected

Are we talking enough about health checks and the possibility of cancer for young adults? Hear Hannah’s and Samuel’s stories.

Natasha Ann Zachariah

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Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

When she was about 35, stay-at-home mother Hannah Seow discovered she had breast cancer after a self-examination in 2023. Her diagnosis came a couple of years after her youngest child, Caleb, died.

For Samuel Ng, a month-long on-and-off fever was a sign that there was a deeper issue. In January 2024, after a blood test, he got the dreaded call. His report was “unfavourable”. Soon after, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

While dealing with cancer, he was laid off from his job.

In this episode, Natasha chats with Hannah, now 37, and Samuel, 35, about how it feels to get cancer as young adults, their mindsets through their journeys, and if they want to be known as cancer survivors.

(From left) ST correspondent and host of The Usual Place Natasha Ann Zachariah chats with senior HR executive Samuel Ng and stay-at home mother Hannah Seow, about their fights with cancer.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY

According to the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2022, while cancer remains largely a disease of older age, more young people are being diagnosed with cancer here.

Between 2008 and 2012, the age groups with the most rapid increases in the age-specific incidence of cancer were all under 50 years old – with those aged between 30 and 39 registering the largest differences.

This trend is also reflected globally, with Global Burden of Diseases data showing an increasing trend of cancer among younger age groups, with a 79 per cent increase in “early onset” – under 50 years old – cancer globally between 1990 and 2019.

Are we talking enough about health checks and the possibility of cancer for young adults?

To celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer and those still fighting against the disease, the Singapore Cancer Society has organised Relay For Life (RFL) once again. The annual overnight event from March 8-9 comprises a 100km physical relay event at the National Stadium, as well as a virtual challenge component.

While registration for the physical relay has closed, donations to RFL remain open until March 23, 2025. Donate at

www.scsrelayforlife.sg

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:32 How did Hannah and Samuel find out they had cancer?

10:39 What was it like telling people about their diagnoses?

15:35 How both of them stayed positive throughout

27:46 Should Samuel disclose his cancer diagnosis to a potential employer?

29:55 How Hannah’s outlook on life changed after two devastating life events

31:20 Explaining cancer to kids and struggling with “mom guilt”

33:57 Do Hannah and Samuel want to leave their cancer story out of their identities?

Follow Singapore Cancer Society at

@sgcancersociety

Host: Natasha Zachariah (