Shermin Shu, a 31-year-old marketing executive and amateur muay thai fighter, was diagnosed with Stage 2B breast cancer late last year, prompting significant changes in her personal and professional life. Shu first noticed a lump in her right breast in August 2025 but initially attributed it to training-related causes. After losing her professional muay thai debut in Phuket that November, she continued training until a closer examination in December revealed a hard cyst near her nipple. Subsequent tests at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital confirmed the cancer diagnosis, despite no family history of the disease.

At the time of her diagnosis, Shu was engaged to comedian Jacky Ng, a relationship that has become a source of emotional support amid her health challenges. She recalls breaking down during a call with Ng, who was performing overseas, and receiving reassurances that they would face the illness together.

Since January 2026, Shu has undergone extensive treatment including a nipple-sparing mastectomy with breast reconstruction using tissue from her lower abdomen, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures to preserve her fertility, and a 16-week course of chemotherapy. She is scheduled to begin radiation therapy later in the year. Throughout her treatment, Shu has balanced medical demands with work commitments, eventually leaving her job at a wine importer to focus on freelance projects while working remotely.

Muay thai has remained an important part of Shu’s coping strategy. Although her training regimen has been significantly reduced from six days a week to about one 90-minute session weekly, alongside coaching sessions twice a week, the discipline and physical fitness gained from the sport have reportedly helped her manage chemotherapy side effects and maintain physical strength. Her medical team has encouraged her to continue staying active as part of her recovery.

Shu acknowledges the challenges of living with “invisible” illness symptoms, addressing misconceptions and questions on social media with a blend of humor and openness. She emphasizes the fatigue caused by chemotherapy can fluctuate daily, impacting her ability to maintain regular social engagements and training routines. “People forget that I need grace sometimes,” she said, noting the difficulty others have in fully understanding her condition.

The diagnosis has also deepened her relationship with her family. Shu’s mother and younger brother have been supportive in practical and emotional ways since her father’s passing two years ago. Looking ahead, Shu hopes to return to the muay thai ring for a few fights before attempting to start a family. Her wedding, initially planned for 2027, has been postponed by a year to accommodate her recovery, including allowing time for hair regrowth following chemotherapy. Through her journey, she has adopted a new outlook focused on prioritizing her own health and well-being.