“Life is so meaningful after cancer”: Breast Cancer Survivor’s Journey of Giving Back

To say Calin Tan is busy would be an understatement. On top of working full-time as a senior patient associate, the 60-year-old actively participates in church and 365 Cancer Prevention Society, Breast Cancer Foundation and Singapore Cancer Society activities in her free time.                       

But although her days are brimming with tasks, her heart is overflowing with joy.

“It is meaningful to be able to help so many people,” she says simply, adding that it is a stark contrast from her forties where life was “home to work, work to home”.

Calin’s turning point? Being diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2009.

A Diagnosis that Opens Doors

“I never asked God why me,” Calin solemnly recounts. “Even from day one, I believed there was a reason for everything.”
That reason arguably came to light around a year later, when she finished treatment and started a new job at a healthcare organisation. A colleague approached her to be part of Singapore Cancer Society’s (SCS) Bishana Ladies, a support group that empowers women impacted by cancer.

“After I joined, I realised that support groups are very important,” she declares. “All of us are going through the same thing. You can share and learn a lot of things that outside people don’t understand.”

Going From Surviving to Thriving

It has been over 10 years since Calin first started volunteering with Bishana Ladies. Since then, the group steadily grown. Now, members meet monthly for educational talks, recreational activities and more. Firm friendships have been forged, and beyond the officially planned activities, many come together for morning walks and even to travel the world.

Watching these relationships blossom has only reinforced Calin’s belief in the importance of having such support, and how it can make a difference between simply surviving and thriving.

Excitedly, she shares about members who through the group activities, developed a passion for drawing. Her favourite story is of how one member even tried Zumba and liked it so much she went on to take on a course—becoming an instructor at close to 70 years old.

“Now she teaches us,” Calin excitedly shares. “You really don’t know what you’re capable of until you join a support group!”

The Strength of Family Support

Beyond the friendships she has built, Calin is grateful for the unwavering support of her family throughout her journey. Her sister flew in from the United States to care for her for three months during her treatment. Later, when her sister faced her own battle with breast cancer, Calin, in turn, returned the love and care by traveling to the United States to support her for three months.

She also credits her husband, children, and siblings for being her pillars of strength. “They have been so supportive of me during my cancer journey,” she shares. “Their encouragement and love gave me the strength to keep going.”

Blessed to be Able to Bless

For all the time and energy Calin has given to the group, she feels she has received twice as much in return. She has found encouragement in their journeys, inspiration in their strength, and been deeply touched by the compassion they share for both her and each other.

“I feel a sense of belonging and support in the group and love travelling and eating with my support group members,” she affirms.

This is why “although no one wants to have cancer” she has no regrets about her journey. “My life is so meaningful after cancer. I am blessed to be able to bless others.”