“I told myself — I cannot stumble down.” 

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An Unexpected Diagnosis

At 60, Roger Lim has lived with stage 4 lung cancer for the last five years, after being diagnosed at the age of 55. It was a diagnosis that shook him deeply.

“I was traumatised,” he recalls. “I didn’t know how to face the world. I couldn’t speak.”

What made it harder was how unexpected it all felt. Roger had always been active. He cycled more than 100 kilometres a week, often twice to three times a week. He had always been a leader in fitness for his peers and family. Fitness was part of his identity, so cancer didn’t make sense.

Anchored by Family and Determination

Roger was on a trail walk with his family, staying active and cherishing time together.

But Roger didn’t let the diagnosis define him. In those first uncertain days, he found strength in his family. His wife, children, and close friends rallied around him, encouraging him not to give up. Their support gave him the clarity to make a choice:

“I told myself — I cannot stumble down.”

With their love and belief in him, Roger found the clarity to move forward. He realised that while he couldn’t control the illness, he could choose how to respond. And that choice began with standing back up and moving, one step at a time.

Why Exercise Matters

Roger and his wife pose for a photo after completing a long walk, sharing a quiet moment of accomplishment.

For Roger, staying active is more than a lifestyle — it’s part of how he copes with cancer. During his treatment journey, he gradually returned to gentle movement, including light walking, stretching, and simple weight training. But beyond physical strength, he believes exercise plays a powerful role in recovery and emotional resilience.

“Exercise complements cancer treatment,” he says. “It helps with blood circulation, reduces fatigue and pain, and helps you sweat out the toxins from your body.”

The benefits, he adds, are both physical and mental.

“You won’t feel so tired or so weak. Even the pain becomes more bearable.”

Whether it’s a short walk or a full routine, it helps him feel grounded, energised, and back in control—something cancer once tried to take away.

“When I move, I feel stronger. I don’t feel stuck in the illness,” he shares.

Milestones That Cancer Couldn't Stop

A look at Roger’s milestones, which he holds close to his heart. He shares two messages that keep him going: “Never Lose Hope” and “Keep Fighting!”

His commitment to staying active didn’t stop. In January 2023, the side effects of chemotherapy left Roger weak and wheelchair-bound for days. Still, just a year later, with unshakable determination, he crossed the finish line of a half marathon. He joined the 2XU Compression Run and walked the full 21.1km in 3 hours, 11 minutes, and 32 seconds.

“I didn’t run. I used speed walking. But I finished.”

For Roger, it wasn’t about speed. It was about proving that strength doesn’t end with a diagnosis. With perseverance and the right mindset, the body and spirit can keep going.

More Than a Fight: A Way of Living

Roger’s story is not just about endurance; it’s about transformation. His cancer journey has taught him that the key isn’t just physical fitness, but the attitude you bring to life.

“Even if you get cancer, you can overcome all this. If you don’t give up, and if you have the right mindset, you can achieve how you want to feel in life.”

Roger is not defined by cancer, nor by the distance he walks. He is determined to keep going, step by step, with courage, hope, and the people who matter most by his side.

To anyone facing a similar challenge: your strength isn’t measured by how fast you move, but by your choice to keep moving forward.

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Special Thanks to Roger

Our heartfelt thanks to Roger for generously sharing her journey with us.

Your courage and openness are deeply inspiring, offering hope and strength to others facing similar challenges. We are honoured to share your story.

— With appreciation, The OncoCare Team

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Watch Roger’s story here.

If you’re a patient who feels ready to share your experience, we would be honored to hear from you. Your story could bring comfort and hope to others who need it. To reach out, please email us at media@oncocare.sg.