SINGAPORE – At 35, Ms Andrea Lim learnt that she was pregnant. But two days later, her world turned upside down – she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Ms Lim first noticed an itch on her right nipple and assumed it was a yeast infection. In 2024, she underwent a mammogram and an ultrasound, both of which initially cleared her of a cancer diagnosis, with no lumps or abnormalities.
However, her body did not respond to steroid medication, and a biopsy later confirmed she had breast cancer.
Due to the clear mammogram and ultrasound results, as well as the fact that she had no lumps, she thought the cancer would be an early-stage diagnosis. She consulted the anaesthetist and gynaecologist, who confirmed that her baby would not be harmed while undergoing treatment. She went ahead with breast conserving surgery and axillary clearance.
But a week after her surgery, the nurse called and asked her to meet the surgeon with her husband, a request hinting that the result was not good.
“Because both (my husband and I) are... problem solvers at heart, we decided that we would set the intention that we should save (me) first,” she said.
The surgery histology confirmed Ms Lim had a tumour larger than 5.5cm that involved the lymph nodes. Further scans led to a diagnosis of stage four breast cancer, and she aborted the baby.
Life came to a grinding halt for the senior analyst, who was pursuing her Master of Business Administration. She had to undergo eight months of primary treatment, which included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and two surgical procedures, including a double mastectomy.
The chemotherapy left her feeling sick and restless, but she eventually went back to work and resumed her studies. She began to jog daily and returned to dance three months after her diagnosis.
A ballet and contemporary dancer for nearly two decades, she also returned to performing and even tried modelling.
On March 7, 2025, Ms Lim, 35, took part in the Courage Catwalk 2025 fashion show to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF).
The event, held at Sofitel Singapore City Centre in conjunction with International Women’s Day on March 8, raised about $35,000.
At 35, Ms. Andrea Lim learned she was pregnant. Just two days later, her world turned upside down—she was diagnosed with breast cancer." Initially, she believed it was an early-stage diagnosis, and held on to hope that she could keep her "miracle baby" while undergoing treatment. But when further tests confirmed she had stage four cancer, she had to end the pregnancy. She had to undergo eight months of primary recovery which included chemotherapy and surgeries such as removing her breasts. Life slowed down for the senior analyst in a healthcare company, who was pursuing her MBA. As a way to regain a sense of normalcy, she began to exercise and gradually returned to work her studies. “Doing all these takes my mind off and it was a bit more of like normalcy. I want people to see me the same. I wanted a sense of normalcy, like I have cancer but life goes on. Because if I don’t go back to that norm as quickly as I can, I was just afraid that I would fall off a cliff and spiral downwards. Ms Lim strutted the runway for the Courage Catwalk 2025 fashion show at Sofitel City Centre on March 7 to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation’s (BCF) initiatives. She was one of 19 “pink warriors” who strutted down the runway and performed in vibrant costumes created by six local designers from LASALLE College of the Arts, each inspired by Singapore’s diverse cultures. BCF raised $35,000 to support its programs that aim to promotes early detection of breast cancer and supports the breast cancer community.
Mr Alif Alwee, a Mac and Bobbi Brown education lead, applying make-up on Ms Andrea Lim.ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
Ms Lim was one of 20 “pink warriors” who strutted down the runway in vibrant costumes created by six graduates from Lasalle College of the Arts, each inspired by Singapore’s diverse cultures.
As she walked the runway, Ms Lim carried with her a newfound perspective on life.
“In the past, I would have choreographed my performances to the tee, but I told myself I didn’t want to stress myself out and (I should) just flow with the music,” said the dancer who used to practise rigorously to perfect her moves, timing and beats.
“Tonight was different – I no longer fixate on such things. I want to enjoy and live in the present moment.”
At 35, Ms. Andrea Lim learned she was pregnant. Just two days later, her world turned upside down—she was diagnosed with breast cancer." Initially, she believed it was an early-stage diagnosis, and held on to hope that she could keep her "miracle baby" while undergoing treatment. But when further tests confirmed she had stage four cancer, she had to end the pregnancy. She had to undergo eight months of primary recovery which included chemotherapy and surgeries such as removing her breasts. Life slowed down for the senior analyst in a healthcare company, who was pursuing her MBA. As a way to regain a sense of normalcy, she began to exercise and gradually returned to work her studies. “Doing all these takes my mind off and it was a bit more of like normalcy. I want people to see me the same. I wanted a sense of normalcy, like I have cancer but life goes on. Because if I don’t go back to that norm as quickly as I can, I was just afraid that I would fall off a cliff and spiral downwards. Ms Lim strutted the runway for the Courage Catwalk 2025 fashion show at Sofitel City Centre on March 7 to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation’s (BCF) initiatives. She was one of 19 “pink warriors” who strutted down the runway and performed in vibrant costumes created by six local designers from LASALLE College of the Arts, each inspired by Singapore’s diverse cultures. BCF raised $35,000 to support its programs that aim to promotes early detection of breast cancer and supports the breast cancer community.
Lipstick being applied on Ms Lim.ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
Ms Lim, who now has short hair, was styled for the show by professional hairstylists and make-up artists.
Recounting her experience with hair loss, she said it was the most tangible way cancer had affected her.
“All my friends know I had a lot of hair. It’s like a lion’s mane – I always tied it up in a top knot, and you could see from afar that it was me.”
Ms Andrea Lim on a holiday in Khao Yai, Thailand in November 2023.
Ms Lim on a holiday in Khao Yai, Thailand, in November 2023, before she was diagnosed with breast cancer.PHOTO: COURTESY OF ANDREA LIM
Now that she has completed her primary treatment, her hair has started to grow. She will begin adjuvant therapy on March 10 to lower the risk of a relapse.
Ms Lim said her husband Chong Ser Jing, a 37-year-old fund manager, and her family were crucial in her recovery. Her brother, husband, and cousin even offered to shave their heads in support.
At 35, Ms. Andrea Lim learned she was pregnant. Just two days later, her world turned upside down—she was diagnosed with breast cancer." Initially, she believed it was an early-stage diagnosis, and held on to hope that she could keep her "miracle baby" while undergoing treatment. But when further tests confirmed she had stage four cancer, she had to end the pregnancy. She had to undergo eight months of primary recovery which included chemotherapy and surgeries such as removing her breasts. Life slowed down for the senior analyst in a healthcare company, who was pursuing her MBA. As a way to regain a sense of normalcy, she began to exercise and gradually returned to work her studies. “Doing all these takes my mind off and it was a bit more of like normalcy. I want people to see me the same. I wanted a sense of normalcy, like I have cancer but life goes on. Because if I don’t go back to that norm as quickly as I can, I was just afraid that I would fall off a cliff and spiral downwards. Ms Lim strutted the runway for the Courage Catwalk 2025 fashion show at Sofitel City Centre on March 7 to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation’s (BCF) initiatives. She was one of 19 “pink warriors” who strutted down the runway and performed in vibrant costumes created by six local designers from LASALLE College of the Arts, each inspired by Singapore’s diverse cultures. BCF raised $35,000 to support its programs that aim to promotes early detection of breast cancer and supports the breast cancer community.
Ms Lim having her hair styled while she takes a quick break to check her phone.ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
Ms Lim and her husband hope to have biological children if her scans are clear in three years’ time. But as she will turn 39 by then, she is open to adoption.
Mr Chong said: “She has handled this like a champ. All along, she never felt sorry for herself. She was always very courageous in facing this whole thing. I feel very proud of her.”
At 35, Ms. Andrea Lim learned she was pregnant. Just two days later, her world turned upside down?she was diagnosed with breast cancer." Initially, she believed it was an early-stage diagnosis, and held on to hope that she could keep her "miracle baby" while undergoing treatment. But when further tests confirmed she had stage four cancer, she had to end the pregnancy. Life slowed down for the senior analyst in a healthcare company, who was pursuing her MBA. She had to undergo eight months of primary recovery which included chemotherapy and surgeries such as removing her breasts.
?Doing all these takes my mind off and it was a bit more of like normalcy.?I want people to see me the same. I wanted a sense of normalcy, like I have cancer but life goes on. Because if I don?t go back to that norm as quickly as I can, I was just afraid that I would fall off a cliff and spiral downwards.Ms Lim returned to performing on stage during the Courage Catwalk 2025 fashion show at Sofitel City Centre on March 7 to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation?s (BCF) initiatives. She was one of 19 ?pink warriors? who strutted down the runway and performed in vibrant costumes created by six local designers from LASALLE College of the Arts, each inspired by Singapore?s diverse cultures. BCF raised $35,000 to support its programmes that aim to promotes early detection of breast cancer and supports the breast cancer community.
Attending the Courage Catwalk 2025 fashion show are Ms Lim’s husband Chong Ser Jing (left) and niece Mavis Tan, who is intrigued by her costume.ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
Ms Lim learnt about BCF when she met a cancer survivor in a Facebook forum. Seeking advice on whether to undergo a double mastectomy, she was encouraged by her friend’s words.
“She told me that she has never regretted that decision. And when I heard that, immediately I knew... that would be the right choice... that rock just lifted.”
At 35, Ms. Andrea Lim learned she was pregnant. Just two days later, her world turned upside down—she was diagnosed with breast cancer." Initially, she believed it was an early-stage diagnosis, and held on to hope that she could keep her "miracle baby" while undergoing treatment. But when further tests confirmed she had stage four cancer, she had to end the pregnancy. She had to undergo eight months of primary recovery which included chemotherapy and surgeries such as removing her breasts. Life slowed down for the senior analyst in a healthcare company, who was pursuing her MBA. As a way to regain a sense of normalcy, she began to exercise and gradually returned to work her studies. “Doing all these takes my mind off and it was a bit more of like normalcy. I want people to see me the same. I wanted a sense of normalcy, like I have cancer but life goes on. Because if I don’t go back to that norm as quickly as I can, I was just afraid that I would fall off a cliff and spiral downwards. Ms Lim strutted the runway for the Courage Catwalk 2025 fashion show at Sofitel City Centre on March 7 to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation’s (BCF) initiatives. She was one of 19 “pink warriors” who strutted down the runway and performed in vibrant costumes created by six local designers from LASALLE College of the Arts, each inspired by Singapore’s diverse cultures. BCF raised $35,000 to support its programs that aim to promotes early detection of breast cancer and supports the breast cancer community.
Ms Lim’s phone cover features a dog in yoga poses. She starts each day with a yoga session at home.ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
Now, Ms Lim actively participates in BCF events like the fashion show and hopes to encourage women to go for early screening.
“The camaraderie here is unlike anywhere else. This is something you will never feel elsewhere because we all go through the same thing.”
At 35, Ms. Andrea Lim learned she was pregnant. Just two days later, her world turned upside down—she was diagnosed with breast cancer." Initially, she believed it was an early-stage diagnosis, and held on to hope that she could keep her "miracle baby" while undergoing treatment. But when further tests confirmed she had stage four cancer, she had to end the pregnancy. She had to undergo eight months of primary recovery which included chemotherapy and surgeries such as removing her breasts. Life slowed down for the senior analyst in a healthcare company, who was pursuing her MBA. As a way to regain a sense of normalcy, she began to exercise and gradually returned to work her studies. “Doing all these takes my mind off and it was a bit more of like normalcy. I want people to see me the same. I wanted a sense of normalcy, like I have cancer but life goes on. Because if I don’t go back to that norm as quickly as I can, I was just afraid that I would fall off a cliff and spiral downwards. Ms Lim strutted the runway for the Courage Catwalk 2025 fashion show at Sofitel City Centre on March 7 to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation’s (BCF) initiatives. She was one of 19 “pink warriors” who strutted down the runway and performed in vibrant costumes created by six local designers from LASALLE College of the Arts, each inspired by Singapore’s diverse cultures. BCF raised $35,000 to support its programs that aim to promotes early detection of breast cancer and supports the breast cancer community.
Ms Lim having her photo taken with the other “pink warriors” who strutted down the runway in vibrant costumes.ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
Ms Lim is part of the young women’s support group at BCF.
Her advice to cancer patients: “Don’t be afraid, because things will fall nicely into place. We adapt really well. We are stronger and more resilient than we think.
“Trust yourselves. Give yourselves time, do things that you can control, and achieve small wins. The treatment, especially chemotherapy and surgery, beats us down, but we stand back up again. Stronger than we were yesterday.”
At 35, Ms. Andrea Lim learned she was pregnant. Just two days later, her world turned upside down—she was diagnosed with breast cancer." Initially, she believed it was an early-stage diagnosis, and held on to hope that she could keep her "miracle baby" while undergoing treatment. But when further tests confirmed she had stage four cancer, she had to end the pregnancy. She had to undergo eight months of primary recovery which included chemotherapy and surgeries such as removing her breasts. Life slowed down for the senior analyst in a healthcare company, who was pursuing her MBA. As a way to regain a sense of normalcy, she began to exercise and gradually returned to work her studies. “Doing all these takes my mind off and it was a bit more of like normalcy. I want people to see me the same. I wanted a sense of normalcy, like I have cancer but life goes on. Because if I don’t go back to that norm as quickly as I can, I was just afraid that I would fall off a cliff and spiral downwards. Ms Lim strutted the runway for the Courage Catwalk 2025 fashion show at Sofitel City Centre on March 7 to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation’s (BCF) initiatives. She was one of 19 “pink warriors” who strutted down the runway and performed in vibrant costumes created by six local designers from LASALLE College of the Arts, each inspired by Singapore’s diverse cultures. BCF raised $35,000 to support its programs that aim to promotes early detection of breast cancer and supports the breast cancer community.
Ms Lim mingling with other “pink warriors” while resting in between her runway segments.ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
Fellow “pink warrior” Nutan Choudhary, 45, said: “The word ‘courage’ is what inspired me to join this catwalk. It’s the courage to share my story with friends and family, the courage to fight every single day.”
The IT manager added: “This isn’t just a catwalk – it’s a platform for everyone who faces life’s challenges and continues to find the strength to share their journey and raise awareness.”
Another breast cancer survivor, Ms Connie Seng, 42, said: “I realised that there are many things we can’t control. The only controllable factor is ourselves.
“So just do that well! Treasure the people who love us and treat us well. Let the others go, it’s all right. Every day is also a miracle, a gift. So treasure it!”
At 35, Ms. Andrea Lim learned she was pregnant. Just two days later, her world turned upside down—she was diagnosed with breast cancer." Initially, she believed it was an early-stage diagnosis, and held on to hope that she could keep her "miracle baby" while undergoing treatment. But when further tests confirmed she had stage four cancer, she had to end the pregnancy. She had to undergo eight months of primary recovery which included chemotherapy and surgeries such as removing her breasts. Life slowed down for the senior analyst in a healthcare company, who was pursuing her MBA. As a way to regain a sense of normalcy, she began to exercise and gradually returned to work her studies. “Doing all these takes my mind off and it was a bit more of like normalcy. I want people to see me the same. I wanted a sense of normalcy, like I have cancer but life goes on. Because if I don’t go back to that norm as quickly as I can, I was just afraid that I would fall off a cliff and spiral downwards. Ms Lim strutted the runway for the Courage Catwalk 2025 fashion show at Sofitel City Centre on March 7 to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation’s (BCF) initiatives. She was one of 19 “pink warriors” who strutted down the runway and performed in vibrant costumes created by six local designers from LASALLE College of the Arts, each inspired by Singapore’s diverse cultures. BCF raised $35,000 to support its programs that aim to promotes early detection of breast cancer and supports the breast cancer community.
Ms Lim says she plans to dance more in future as she recovers.ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
BCF, a social service agency established in 1997, promotes early detection of breast cancer and supports the breast cancer community through various programmes, services and educational materials.
To find out more, visit https://bcf.org.sg
Shintaro is a photojournalist with The Straits Times. Through journalism, photography and documentary-making, he strives to shine a light on the everyday man.
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Thanks for sharing!