Taiwanese Singer Fang Wenlin's Health Journey

In an emotional post shared on Facebook, Taiwanese singer Fang Wenlin, 59, unveiled her battle with oesophageal cancer on September 26, leaving fans in disbelief. The beloved singer shared that it has been two months since her surgery and that she feels ready to reveal her experience now that she has been given the green light for recovery.

"Today marks two months since my surgery. I had a follow-up endoscopy to check the wound, and since everything is fine, I’m sharing this now. I hope this can serve as a reminder and warning to myself not to repeat the same mistakes," Fang wrote, acknowledging the grave mistakes she believes led to her diagnosis.

Neglected Health Check-ups and Shocking Diagnosis

After neglecting health check-ups for three years, Fang decided to undergo a full-body examination in late June 2023. With a family history riddled with colorectal and stomach cancers, her focus had initially narrowed to these areas. However, her daughter’s attention to the report’s warning regarding suspected oesophageal cancer was pivotal.

Further tests revealed a startling increase in her cancer marker levels, soaring above the normal range, indicating a serious condition. "I was shocked and rushed to schedule a biopsy," she admitted, recalling the agonizing two-day wait for results.

Lifestyle Choices and Health Impact

As she delved deeper into her condition, Fang discovered that oesophageal cancer is more common in men, which led her to ponder the potential causes behind her ailment. A significant contributor appeared to be her longstanding habit of consuming hot soup and Kaoliang, a potent Chinese distilled liquor. The singer often enjoyed her evening routine of indulging in a cup of Kaoliang with a staggering alcohol content of 58%, coupled with piping hot soups—even to the point of scalding her mouth.

"These habits have damaged my oesophagus, with Kaoliang likely being the main culprit," Fang stated. She revealed that just a few sips of this liquor would guarantee her an uninterrupted seven to eight hours of sleep, especially during her menopausal years.

Emotional and Physical Challenges

Despite her fondness for Kaoliang, she would typically abstain from social drinking to maintain her nighttime ritual, which made her sudden diagnosis all the more shocking. The surgery revealed an alarming 10 cm tumor, but fortunately, doctors classified it as stage zero, eliminating the immediate need for chemotherapy.

Post-surgery, Fang faced severe challenges, including difficulties swallowing and intense pain. "I’ll never forget the helpless tears in my daughter’s eyes. It broke my heart," she recounted, depicting the emotional toll on her family.

Continuing Professional Life During Recovery

In the midst of her recovery, Fang continued to balance her professional commitments, starring in a play in Taipei. Although she contemplated stepping back from her role due to potential side effects from steroid therapy, she ultimately found the strength to persevere.

A Warning and Reminder to Others

Fang Wenlin’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of lifestyle choices on health. Her candid sharing might encourage others to reflect on their habits and prioritize regular health screenings, spotlighting the importance of awareness in battling such life-altering diseases.