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A well-known blogger who shared her journey with breast cancer has sadly passed away at the age of 39, just months after announcing to her followers that she was “cured.”
Chen Meiying, a mother from Chongqing, China, received the challenging diagnosis last year, which led her to close her clothing business.
With the loss of her business income, the medical expenses from her treatment quickly put a significant strain on her finances, depleting her family's savings.
Her family had to borrow money from various sources.
During this difficult time, Meiying discovered live streaming.
She performed songs on camera in return for donations from her audience.
Despite her battle with this devastating illness, she consistently aimed to maintain a positive outlook for her 17,000 followers.
She once stated: “You can be poor, you can be tired, but you cannot be unhappy, because unhappiness makes you sick.”
On April 16, she announced that she was “cured.”
However, in an unfortunate turn of events, the aggressive triple-negative breast cancer returned just two months later.
Scans revealed that metastasis had occurred, indicating the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to secondary sites in her body.
The cancer tragically spread to her bones and internal mammary lymph nodes.
Doctors had to inform her that no curative options remained, and she passed away on October 12.
Before her passing, Meiying expressed that her daughter, who was in her final year of high school, motivated her to keep fighting.
This inspiration allowed her to extend her life for a short period.
Even when feeling extremely unwell, Meiying ensured she continued to do the school run whenever possible.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Getting Breast Cancer
While you cannot always prevent breast cancer, attending breast screenings (mammograms) when invited can help detect cancers that are too small to see or feel.
There are also several actions you can take to lower your risk of developing breast cancer:
- Limit alcohol consumption and avoid exceeding 14 units per week.
- Consider losing weight if you are overweight.
- Aim to quit smoking.
- Consult your GP if you have concerns about how the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy might affect your breast cancer risk.
Her final social media post was on September 22, just four days before she was admitted to the hospital.
Meiying was laid to rest in her hometown, surrounded by friends and family, including her elderly mother.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a particularly aggressive type of breast cancer.
Compared to other forms, TNBC tends to develop more rapidly, has fewer treatment options, and is generally associated with a lower chance of recovery.
The five-year survival rate for TNBC is approximately 77 percent, in contrast to 91 percent for breast cancer overall.
FAQ
What is triple-negative breast cancer?
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that lacks three common receptors known to fuel most breast cancer growth. It is known for being more aggressive and having fewer treatment options.
How can I reduce my risk of breast cancer?
You can reduce your risk of breast cancer by attending regular screenings, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and discussing any concerns about hormonal treatments with your healthcare provider.