Imagine battling one of life's toughest foes—stage three breast cancer—and emerging not just victorious, but stronger and more empowered. That's the incredible journey of Cheng Meow Eng, a 49-year-old woman whose story proves that fitness can be a powerful ally in the fight against illness. But here's where it gets controversial: Could exercise really be a game-changer during treatments like chemotherapy, challenging traditional views of rest and recovery? Stick around, because her tale is about to inspire you to rethink how we approach healing.
For Cheng, participating in the Great Eastern Women’s Run (GEWR) on November 9 was far from an ordinary jog around the block. As one of over 12,000 runners at the Singapore Sports Hub, she turned the event into a personal milestone, celebrating her triumph over cancer. Diagnosed in March 2022 after a grueling stretch as a logistics manager, Cheng had been juggling high-stress work with family life, which left her exhausted and yearning for a change. She quit her job in June 2021, planning to return to the workforce—but fate had other plans. Her diagnosis hit just as she was ready to dive back in, underscoring how life's twists can force us to pivot.
Treatment kicked off two months after her diagnosis and spanned 18 months, involving a mastectomy, multiple reconstructive surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. These procedures brought on a host of challenging side effects, such as a persistently dry mouth that made eating difficult, a loss of appetite that sapped her energy, waves of nausea that disrupted her days, and widespread bodily aches that tested her resilience. For beginners wondering about this, think of chemotherapy as a potent medicine that targets cancer cells but can also make your whole body feel drained and unwell—it's like your body is fighting on two fronts.
Yet, Cheng didn't just endure; she thrived by leaning on a solid support network, including counselors from the Singapore Cancer Society, and by taking an active role in her recovery. She saw herself as a partner in her own health, ensuring her body was strong enough to handle the treatments. 'The doctors and nurses were giving it their all to combat the cancer, so I knew I had to contribute by keeping myself in top shape,' she shared. 'It's my duty to nurture my own body—building strong muscles and staying fit has made my life so much better.'
And this is the part most people miss: Cheng integrated exercise right from the start of her chemotherapy. She began with simple walks and swims, activities that helped her feel energized rather than depleted during what should have been her weakest moments. This approach highlighted for her the vital role of physical activity in managing not just the physical toll, but also the mental challenge of cancer. Experts often recommend light exercise to boost mood and stamina during treatment, and Cheng's experience is a real-world example of how staying active can turn perceived weakness into surprising strength.
Her fitness path didn't stop there. In October 2023, just two months before wrapping up her cancer treatments, she joined the GEWR's Mummy + Me 2km race alongside her then-eight-year-old daughter, Gan Yue Ern, her youngest. It was a heartwarming family bonding moment amidst the recovery. Even after declaring victory over cancer, Cheng kept running. By September 2025, she competed in the Race Against Cancer event, tackling the 5km distance with determination.
Her dedication to an active lifestyle has had ripple effects at home, inspiring her 16-year-old daughter, Gan Qi Ern, to start her own fitness adventure. 'I was amazed that my transformation could motivate someone else beyond just myself,' Cheng admitted. Now, she volunteers with the Singapore Cancer Society, choosing to focus on this new chapter rather than rushing back to paid work. She's all about embracing an energetic way of life and cherishing the fresh start she's been given.
The 2025 GEWR went beyond Cheng's participation, drawing a crowd of runners and raising an impressive $305,000 for charitable causes. The event featured diverse categories to suit everyone, from short fun runs to longer challenges. In the new 10km tertiary category, 11 teams from five educational institutions competed, with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) dominating the podium. Their Team Pace Setters clinched first place with a total time of 2:50:35 across their four runners, while Team Sole Sisters and Team Fast and Flawless secured second and third with 3:18:05 and 3:22:05, respectively.
For the elite 21.1km invite-only segment, 2024 runner-up Goh Shing Ling claimed the top spot in 1:22:10, outpacing Rachel See (1:23:20) and Jasmine Teo (1:25:21). Teo, reflecting on the event's significance, emphasized the value of women's-only races. 'Singapore doesn't have many all-female events that build such excitement around empowering women,' she said. 'Being here pushes us to run faster, grow stronger, and cheer each other on to exceed our boundaries.'
Now, here's where things get really intriguing: Is prioritizing exercise during cancer treatment a bold choice, or does it risk overexertion? Some might argue it's empowering, while others could see it as controversial, potentially distracting from rest. And what about the shift towards more women-centric sports events—do they truly uplift or inadvertently create divisions in athletics? We'd love to hear your thoughts: Do you believe fitness can revolutionize cancer recovery, or is it better to focus solely on medical advice? Share your disagreements or agreements in the comments below—let's spark a conversation!
