Xinyao singer Dawn Gan Liming now tumour-free

SINGAPORE — Veteran xinyao singer Dawn Gan, better known as Yan Liming, is currently tumour-free, following a three-year fight with a rare cancer.

Speaking to local media in a phone interview today (April 22), the singer said she was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare type of soft-tissue cancer, after a routine health screening in 2013. Then, in 2014, she was also found to have early-stage breast cancer.

Since then, the Singaporean singer has undergone five surgeries in Hong Kong and Singapore to remove four tumours, as well as a lobe of her lung, after her cancer recurred twice. She also finished her 25th session of radiotherapy earlier this year.

Gan kept her illness under wraps, until an interview with Mediacorp radio station LOVE 97.2FM on Thursday evening.

“The first time I heard the news (about the cancer), it was earth-shattering. But I am grateful that I had the courage to face my illness, especially when it came back again and again,” said Gan, who added that her Christian faith has been her main source of strength during this trying period.

“I am standing out today because I have overcome my own fear. Now, I can say I have cancer, because I want to encourage myself and everyone else,” said Gan, who is based in Hong Kong. “I am very well, and I am thankful that I am not in pain.”

Gan added that she was not sure if the tumours might recur, due to the unpredictable nature of her cancer. Still, the singer, who is 53 this year, said she wishes to be a source of support for others in need.

This Sunday, Gan will make an appearance at the Sing Xinyao, Love Life event, jointly organised by Ocean Butterflies Singapore and Love 97.2FM, to raise funds for the VIVA Foundation for Children with Cancer. Gan will also be donating 10-inches of her own hair to a volunteer group called Recycle Your Hair that will turn her hair into a wig.

“(This experience has taught me) not to be calculating about the small things, and to be kind to everyone,” said the singer. “I am grateful for God’s grace, and I don’t know what I would do without Him. Some days, you suddenly feel very emotional and negative. So you have to re-new your search for positivity, every single day.”

Sing Xinyao, Love Life will take place on Saturday and Sunday (April 23 and 24), 3pm to 5pm, at OneKM Mall, and is open to the public. Other artistes in attendance include Tay Kewei, Marcus Chin and Dennis Chew (on Saturday), and MiCapella, Stella Seah and Cai Lilian (on Sunday). Gan will attend the event on Sunday afternoon. Full details on the line-up can be found on Ocean Butterflies Singapore’s Facebook page.