YeoMama Club:
Irene Chui
Meet Irene Chui: A Survivor, Advocate, and Inspiration
Irene’s breast cancer journey began at the young age of 36, and over two decades later, she continues to
share her story of strength and resilience.
Now 59, she not only overcame her diagnosis but also became an active supporter of fellow survivors
through her involvement with the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) and Paddlers in the Pink (BCF-PIP), their dragon boat team.
Discover how Irene transformed her challenges into a source of inspiration for others, all while staying true to her family, community, and passion for fitness.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m Irene Chui, and my breast cancer journey began when I was just 36 years old. Diagnosed with Stage 2C and BRCA1+, I faced many challenges along the way, but I chose to fight with determination and resilience.
Now, at 59, I share my story to inspire others and support fellow survivors through the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) and BCF’s dragon boat team Paddlers in the Pink (BCF-PIP).
Can you share with us about your initial diagnosis?
Wow, it’s been a long time. I was diagnosed at 36, and my kids were just 9 and 11.
At that time, there was no immediate history of cancer in my family, although my uncles—my father's two brothers—had passed from stomach and lung cancer. This made me question whether it could be hereditary, despite being the only one diagnosed with breast cancer at such a young age.
I come from a big family—my mother has eight daughters—and none of my sisters had breast cancer. I was the first.
What led you to get checked for breast cancer?
After returning from a June holiday trip to Melbourne with my two kids, a conversation with a colleague stuck with me. She had found a lump in her breast, and I joked that I should probably get checked too. True enough, there was a cyst found yet no cause of alarm for me to trigger off any appointment with any doctors.
Later on, I went to visit a GP due to a common cold and I casually mentioned the lump. That led to a referral to Tan Tock Seng Hospital for further tests. After an ultrasound, a mammogram, and a biopsy, the wait for results began. Those nine days were BLOODY painful.
On August 11th, I remembered it was right after National Day, I received my diagnosis—Stage 2 cancer. Four lymph nodes were affected, and I also had DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ) infiltrating which means the cancer tends to be more aggressive. Very quickly, I was scheduled for chemotherapy and had to decide whether I wanted to go for reconstruction surgery.
Eventually I decided to go for a TRAM (flap reconstruction). It was a major 15-hour operation cutting from hip to hip.
What were your initial thoughts when you received your diagnosis?
If you were to ask me to rewind to 23 years ago, the first three things I thought of were, ‘Will I lose my job? Will I lose my husband? Will I lose my kids?’
Another challenge is figuring out how do you tell your kids at the ages of 9 and 11? The first question that my daughter asked me, “Mummy, are you going to die?” and it just hit me. It’s very funny. When they relate to cancer, it’s always death. “Mummy is not going to die, I’m going to come back,” that was my mindset.
With my kids in mind, I told myself that I am not going to lose them, nor are they going to lose me.
Photo: Breast Cancer Foundation
Can you describe your treatment journey?
I went through 12 sessions of chemotherapy, 30 sessions of radiation, 30 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, hormone therapy, and three years of Zoladex. It was a lot to handle, including being under the knife as well.
Six years into my remission, my oncologist recommended me to take a DNA test due to my young age. It took me a while to decide on that. What are the consequences? If I am positive, I’ll have to remove my good breast and my ovaries as well. Do I really want to part with my good breast and my ovaries, and lose the rest of my feminine assets? That was a tall order and it took me two years to decide. Meanwhile, my oncologist kept urging me to go because she thinks I had a very high chance of recurrence.
6 months later, results came out, and bingo, it was BRCA1 which meant 85% possibility of developing another breast cancer. Back then, I postponed further surgeries for a while, wanting to participate in an upcoming dragon boat race in Hong Kong.
Ironically, during that trip, I had my last menstrual cycle. I haven’t had menses for years due to Zoladex.
It was like my ovaries were bading farewell to me before I removed them.
Who was your support team back then?
My biggest support came from my family—my husband and sisters. Back then, awareness of breast cancer wasn’t as widespread, and I only learned about the Breast Cancer Foundation during my hospital visits.
It’s so important for survivors to be open about their experiences because that’s when help comes. When you let your loved ones in, they can support you.
Photo: Denise JK
What advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer?
It’s essential for family and friends to let the survivor express their feelings first. Validate their concerns and affirm that the fears they have are normal. Let them know they’re not alone. When they feel heard, then advice can follow.
Everyone reacts differently to a diagnosis, but acceptance is the first step. Take control of your body and your health. Seek out a support group, find a community, and stay active.
Be strong and be yourself!
How do you share your journey with others?
I often share my journey with the BCF support group, particularly if people want to know more about reconstruction. I refer to myself as ‘Exhibit 1’ for TRAM reconstruction on my left breast and "Exhibit 2" for silicon reconstruction on my right.
I no longer need mammograms since both breasts are gone HAHA, but focus on staying healthy and making sure no other cancers develop in my body.
Photo: Denise JK
What is your message to others facing similar challenges?
My journey has been both challenging and enriching. Life can be unpredictable, but each challenge makes you stronger and more resilient. I’ve turned my crisis into strength and count my blessings every day.
With the support of wonderful
friends and family, I continue to live positively. Staying active became a priority, I choose to keep fit, I choose to stay strong.
Fitness and strength allowed me to continue working, care for my family, and sustain myself economically. Ultimately, it’s your life—you choose how you want it to be!
