At just 38, Hong Kong artist and freelance writer Helen Law was diagnosed with stage-three colorectal cancer. Before her diagnosis, she had been feeling exhausted and assumed it was due to sleep deprivation. One afternoon, after becoming unusually breathless while crossing the street, she saw a doctor. A blood test revealed anaemia, and follow-up procedures including endoscopy and colonoscopy confirmed a malignant tumour in her colon.
The diagnosis came as a shock given her age. After surgery to remove the tumour, a post-operative report detected cancer in a lymph node, prompting eight cycles of chemotherapy over several months. While colorectal cancer typically affects those over 50, rates among adults under 50 have been rising globally, increasing about two per cent annually in individuals aged 20 to 39. Some young patients have inherited genetic mutations such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), while lifestyle factors like poor diet and inactivity may also contribute.
Though cases under 45 remain relatively low in Hong Kong, experts warn that increased Westernisation of diet and sedentary lifestyles could change that. Law’s doctor recommended genetic testing after two of her paternal uncles were also diagnosed, but she declined, concerned about the psychological toll it might take on her children if a genetic link was confirmed. Instead, she focuses on early detection and regular check-ups for her family.
Now 49, Law is healthy but lives with a shorter intestinal tract, resulting in more frequent bowel movements. She embraces a balanced lifestyle, getting adequate sleep, eating healthily, and pursuing creative interests. Her study of traditional Chinese medicine has helped alleviate lingering abdominal pain and taught her the importance of emotional well-being.
Support from loved ones and Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre played a key role in her recovery, offering emotional and psychological resources. Grateful for the help she received, Law has given back by raising over HK$400,000 through charity art exhibitions. Her upcoming book Walking Through Cancer With You, launching at the Hong Kong Book Fair, features her art and writings created to uplift fellow cancer patients and caregivers, offering a message of hope and resilience.
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