The Wesley Women Cancer Support Group (WWCSG) recently marked its 23rd anniversary on 25 October 2025 with a deeply inspiring session centred on the theme: “Strength, Hope and Dignity in Every Stage of Cancer.”
For 23 years, WWCSG has been a vital lifeline for many women and their families.
Founded in 2002 by Ms Vivian Goh, a Wesleyan cancer survivor, WWCSG began as a compassionate and confidential space for female cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers to share experiences, journey together and pray. It is now faithfully led by Rev Lilian Ang and Pastoral Team Member Ms Audree Tan, and has expanded to include workshops and talks for those going through, or recovering from, all types of cancer.
“More than just a support group, it’s a loving community built on shared experiences—a place for fun exercises, arts and crafts, education and, most importantly, heartfelt sharing and prayer,” said Ms Low Wee Lee, a committee member of WWCSG and facilitator for the 23rd anniversary talk.
“More than just a support group, it’s a loving community built on shared experiences.”
The anniversary event featured a distinguished panel: Dr Peh Tan Ying, Clinical Director and Senior Consultant at Assisi Hospice; Ms Susan Xu, Senior Oncology Nurse with 25 years of experience; Ms Candace Ong, Social Worker with 15 years in psycho-social support for cancer patients; and Ms Joyce Cheah, Clinical Pastoral Care Counsellor.
Together, the four panellists offered insights from decades of clinical and pastoral experience, reinforcing the message that no one walks this journey alone.
Finding Strength and Resilience
A key focus of the discussion was on staying resilient and building strong mental, emotional and spiritual support. The panel provided powerful affirmations for both patients and caregivers.
Stressing the crucial role of palliative care as comfort and support that should be integrated at every stage of cancer—not merely reserved for the end of life—Dr Peh candidly addressed the complexities of cancer development.
“Cancer is, to put very simply, the abnormal division of cells. It could be driven by a mix of environmental, genetic, lifestyle or simply caused by no known reason,” she said.
“Cancer is complex.”
Ms Xu emphasised the importance of verifying information. She advised patients to be cautious of misinformation, particularly regarding diet and alternative treatments.
“There is nothing that you eat normally that you cannot eat,” she noted. “But it is important to have a balanced diet of protein and vegetables. If you cannot eat chicken, beef, prawns etc., you will have nothing left to eat and your recovery will be affected. It is important for cancer patients to eat so they can have strength.”
“It is important for cancer patients to eat so they can have strength.”
Ms Xu also strongly cautioned attendees on the topic of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—a common concern raised during the talk—stressing that patients must consult their oncologist first. Some components can interfere with or become toxic alongside Western treatments.
She added that more pharmacists are now studying TCM to combine knowledge of both Western and Oriental medicine. As more people devote themselves to this field, treatments may become more widely accepted, but the key is to check with oncologists.
“It is important that patients and their families and friends do not just read everything online and only listen to Dr Google,” added Dr Peh, whose wise comment drew much laughter and nodding around the hall. “Please consult your doctors.”
Ultimately, cancer patients need to be physically strengthened and nourished to build the mental resilience needed to fight the battle.
The Role of a Caregiver: Holding the Map
As the discussion powerfully shifted to the often unseen struggles of caregivers, it was repeatedly noted that their role is not easy.
Ms Candace Ong urged caregivers to recognise their own capacity by asking, “How much residual space do I have?”
She reminded attendees of the importance of knowing and communicating the needs of both patients and caregivers, accessing community resources and being truly present through the ups and downs. Caregivers and cancer patients were also encouraged to share their difficulties with social workers if additional resources are needed.
Dignity for Those on This Journey
Ms Joyce Cheah, drawing from her pastoral care experience, offered a beautiful analogy:
“The patient is the driver in the driver’s seat. The caregiver is in the passenger seat.”
She explained that the caregiver’s role is to hold the map and offer guidance, but they must avoid disrupting the patient’s navigation.
Dr Peh added a crucial note on dignity: caregivers must allow the patient to have a voice.
“Sometimes what we think is best for that person is not what the person wants. Sometimes, the needs and desires of the patient and the caregiver are different,” she said.
“Sometimes, the needs and desires of the patient and the caregiver are different.”
Ms Xu agreed:
“All family members mean well. But we must also listen to the patient’s wishes.”
A Message of Hope
The shared wisdom from the panel—Dr Peh, Ms Cheah, Ms Xu and Ms Ong—affirmed that the journey through cancer is multifaceted, requiring clinical, social, emotional and spiritual support.
WWCSG, through its enduring mission, provides that spiritual anchor, offering not just resources and education, but a loving, prayerful presence.
Even Christ, in His most vulnerable human moment, asked His disciples, “Why don’t you keep watching with me?”
No matter which stage of cancer patients are in, through all their pain, suffering, exhaustion and despair, they can find a space where hope is renewed, strength is shared and the inherent dignity of every patient is celebrated and upheld.
Citing a verse from Matthew 12:20, “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory,” Rev Raymond Fong, Pastor-in-Charge of Wesley Methodist Church, reminded all present that God cares deeply for His creatures and creations. His mercies are so unfathomably great, He would not even bruise a reed or snuff out a wick.
“May you all look to the strength of Christ, as you find your rest in His finished work on the cross, as surely His goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life (Psalm 23:6),” said Pastor Ray, encouraging those going through cancer and their caregivers to press on with hope.
“May you all look to the strength of Christ, as you find your rest in His finished work on the cross.”
Are you a cancer patient, survivor or caregiver? You do not have to walk this journey alone.
WWCSG is a confidential and compassionate space where you can share experiences, receive wisdom from survivors and professionals, and strengthen your faith. Don’t carry this burden in isolation.
To learn more about WWCSG and their activities, please contact Pastoral Team Member Audree Tan at audreet@wesleymc.org.
Read also: Managing Weight Effectively After Cancer Treatment
