Rebecca Oh was 32 and days away from embryo implantation when doctors found a polyp, later diagnosed as Stage 1 endometrial cancer.
Her fertility-sparing treatments failed, leading to a radical hysterectomy in November 2022. During surgery, doctors discovered the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, escalating her diagnosis to Stage 3C1. She endured chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy.
After completing treatment in 2023, Oh faced severe fatigue and an invisible burden-managing her own recovery and others' reactions. She found support in a US-based Facebook group for young endometrial cancer patients, which inspired her to create something similar in Singapore.
Oh after her hysterectomy in November 2022. (Photo: Rebecca Oh)
Oh launched Strong Olive in 2023 as an Instagram account. After funding rejections, she partnered with 365 Cancer Prevention Society in March 2026. Strong Olive now offers free services for patients aged 18 to 45, including counselling, home visits, a walking club, and a rehabilitation program for cancer-related fatigue.
Oh (top) with Strong Olive members during their 2026 Bloom with Hope event. (Photo: Rebecca Oh)
The initiative has over 160 members. Oh’s message to younger patients: "Your story didn’t end-it just took an unexpected turn."