Zhang Mi, a cancer survivor since her 2019 diagnosis of tonsillar and oropharyngeal cancer, has announced her third cancer battle. -- Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo
SHANGHAI (SCMP): A famous Chinese singer garnered widespread sympathy on mainland social media by announcing the heartbreaking news of her third cancer diagnosis, following her battles with two previous cancers over the past five years.
Zhang Mi, 54, was diagnosed with tonsillar cancer and oropharyngeal cancer in 2019, both of which had progressed to advanced stages. She successfully overcame these challenges, and with no relapses reported in the past five years, she expressed her happiness on Weibo in August.
However, on November 19, Zhang revealed that she had been diagnosed with tongue cancer, as reported by the news portal The Paper.
“I have bad news for you,” she shared with her followers on Weibo. “There is something in my tongue that turned out to be tongue cancer. I was overwhelmed by this result.”
“How could I have a third cancer? I am very upset these days, and I can’t accept this,” Zhang said tearfully.
Zhang revealed that she had been diagnosed with tongue cancer in November, just three months after being cleared of two previous cancers. - Photo: QQ.com
She mentioned that she would soon undergo surgery to remove half of her tongue. While uncertain about her ability to speak after the operation, she fears she may never sing again.
“I don’t know how many tortures I must endure in my life. It seems these cannot be avoided at all,” said Zhang, who appeared to be in low spirits.
Zhang is a celebrated singer in China, having reached the pinnacle of her popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s.
A native of Heilongjiang province in northeastern China, Zhang is also a model.
Zhang (right) is a celebrated singer in China, renowned for her remarkable success and popularity during the 1990s and early 2000s. - Photo: QQ.com
Before returning to mainland China for cancer treatment in 2019, she spent most of her time living abroad.
She underwent months of chemotherapy and over 20 sessions of radiotherapy to combat her previous two cancers.
“I can’t describe my anguish and suffering. During these five years of battling cancer, I felt so small and helpless,” Zhang said in a video released in August.
“I was once sentenced to death by God, but I created a miracle in life. To achieve this, you must have strong faith, as well as substantial financial resources – the treatment cost all my savings from the past decades.”
Before returning to mainland China for cancer treatment in 2019, Zhang primarily lived abroad with her husband. - Photo: QQ.com
The five-year survival rate for tongue cancer is over 60 per cent, Dr Zhang Bin from Beijing Cancer Hospital said on the Baidu website. He also cautioned that the disease has a high rate of recurrence.
Zhang’s announcement prompted an outpouring of sympathy from mainland Chinese internet users.
“Strong Sister Mi, I’m so sorry for you. Sending hugs. Wishing you a speedy recovery,” one netizen commented.
Another added: “You will overcome this. Hope to see you back soon.” - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
