Singer Joanna Dong undergoes minor surgery after breast cancer scare

SINGAPORE – Local singer Joanna Dong recently suffered a health scare and is recovering after minor surgery.

The 42-year-old wrote in a lengthy social media post on June 29 that she noticed a bloody discharge from her right breast, which is why her specialist recommended some tests and scans during her routine breast exam.

Dong said the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) results were “quite disturbing” and showed a significant accumulation of blood in the milk ducts of both breasts. Since it could be DCIS (stage zero breast cancer), a biopsy was ordered.

The jazz singer, who rose to mainstream fame after finishing third in the Chinese reality TV singing competition “Sing! China” in 2017, said she and her doctor were very relieved to find no cancer, but there were some atypical cells in her right breast.

“I had a minor surgery yesterday to remove a relatively small segment and remove my milk ducts – I am home and doing well and should make a full recovery soon,” she wrote.

Dong said she is sharing her experience because she believes talking about breast disease should be destigmatized by now.

“I went through the full range of emotions when my doctor told me that the worst-case scenario could have been a bilateral lumpectomy or even a mastectomy and breast reconstruction,” she wrote.

“My deepest sympathies go out to everyone who has had to go through this – aside from the obvious physical trauma, the psychological relationship we have with gendered beauty ideals is complex.”

Dong did not forget to thank her doctor and nurses for the care they gave her.

“I’m also grateful to my younger self for getting solid insurance so I can get the best treatment possible when I need it without having to worry too much about finances,” Dong wrote. “Everyone, especially freelancers in the arts – please get this done if you haven’t already.”

The singer, who is scheduled to perform in one of the segments of the upcoming National Day Parade (NDP), also thanked the NDP 2024 team for making short-term arrangements so that she could focus on her recovery and return for final rehearsals and the NDP show on August 9.

“In the meantime, the amazing Tay Kexin will be performing in my place at the NDP rehearsals/shows for the next three Saturdays,” Dong wrote, referring to the local singer who is also a member of Singaporean singing group MICappella. “Please look out for her and the wonderfully entertaining part we are involved in.”

More than 20 of Dong’s celebrity friends posted words of encouragement and wished her a speedy recovery.

“I am impressed with your professionalism and attitude right up until your surgery,” Tay wrote. “Please get a good rest and I look forward to seeing you on the big screen on August 9th.”