“I almost skipped my scan.” Dr Sue Ho on surviving breast cancer while experiencing perimenopause

In light of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr Sue Ho’s story serves as both a timely reminder and a deeply personal reckoning. When she discovered a suspicious lump in her breast during a routine health check last December, the irony wasn’t lost on her. As the lead doctor for women’s health at Prologue, she had long championed proactive screenings for her patients. Yet, she almost postponed seeing a specialist until after the holidays. The diagnosis: stage 1 breast cancer. She was 45, a working mother, and already navigating the physical and emotional upheaval of perimenopause.

For someone with “backstage access” to the healthcare system, the experience of becoming a patient hit harder than expected. Knowing the protocols, treatment paths, and outcomes didn’t soften the blow. In fact, it made everything feel more real and more urgent.

Still in the midst of treatment, and unsure where perimenopause ended and chemo side effects began, Dr Sue did something unexpected: she signed up for HYROX – one of the world’s toughest endurance races – and finished it. This wasn’t about proving her strength, but reminding herself she still had the grit, the courage, and the drive to keep moving.

More than a story about powering through pain or pretending to be invincible, Dr Sue’s experience is also about tuning into your body, facing uncertainty with honesty, and choosing courage in a thousand small moments. In this conversation, she opens up about denial, fatigue, family, and the quiet strength it takes to keep moving forward – for herself, and for every woman who’s ever wondered, “Will I get through this?”

You’re a mother, a doctor, and a breast cancer survivor. How did you manage the emotional weight of all those roles colliding?

By spending more time with my daughter, family and close friends. At work, I try to instill a more holistic lifestyle to my clients/patients. Encourage them to do regular annual health checks including pap smear, breast ultrasound and mammograms, alongside a proper and healthy diet and regular exercises. It is important for women in the perimenopause and menopause stage to concentrate on strength exercises. 

I have been doing more things I love this year such as traveling more, taking part in the 2nd HYROX race next month at Expo and exercising more to stay stronger and healthier. I have also changed some of my bad habits, such as cutting down on screen time, sleeping earlier, cutting out snacking and reducing alcohol intake.

What was the most challenging part of the journey that no one prepared you for?

It was probably when I found out that I had cancer. It was so surreal. I had no family history of breast cancer and I never thought I would ever get breast cancer. I was in denial for a few months. From the time I found out about cancer to the time I decided to take action for six  months. My lump grew bigger and breached the capsule. In hindsight, I should have taken action earlier.

There’s also the added layer of experiencing perimenopause while you were going through all of this. What are the most misunderstood aspects of perimenopause that women should be aware of?

Perimenopause is one of the most misunderstood transitions in a woman’s life. It can begin in the late 30s or early 40s and brings symptoms like anxiety, irregular periods, sleep issues, brain fog, and mood changes often mistaken for stress or ageing. These arise from fluctuating hormones, not steady decline, and can affect the whole body, from libido and joint comfort to memory and energy. With awareness, lifestyle support, and options like hormone therapy, perimenopause can be managed meaningfully, not as a crisis, but as a phase of renewal and rebalancing.

Was there a moment where you wanted to give up? What pulled you through?

Radiation therapy was rough. I had insomnia, mood swings, and lost my appetite. The emotional weight of medication and entering menopause was overwhelming. But my husband and family reminded me of what I stood to lose. That’s when I turned to HIIT and strength training. Movement gave me back my sleep, my energy, and my spirit.

You also partook in HYROX while going through this painful experience. What compelled you to take HYROX up and what did it teach you about your body and about healing?

Getting cancer completely changed my outlook on life. It made me realise how precious every day is, and that I shouldn’t keep postponing the things I’ve always wanted to do.

Signing up for HYROX was my way of reclaiming control – to challenge both my body and spirit. It helped me overcome the physical and emotional changes that came with cancer, and reminded me that I’m still capable of strength and achievement.

Most of all, I wanted to show my daughter that no matter how tough life gets, we must never give up – to always stay positive, and keep moving forward with courage.

What does recovery honestly look like for you, beyond the “feel good” content we see on social media?

Recovery after breast cancer isn’t a straight path, and it’s very different from the “inspirational” snapshots we often see online. It’s messy. It’s a mix of physical healing, emotional adjustment, and learning to live with changes in your body and energy levels. Some days are full of hope and progress, while others bring fatigue, anxiety, or frustration.

Beyond the treatments and check-ups, recovery involves rebuilding your sense of normalcy – returning to work, exercise, and social life – but often at a slower pace than expected. Emotional recovery is just as important: processing fear, grief, and the uncertainty of recurrence takes time and support.

True recovery is less about looking perfectly “cancer-free” and more about finding balance, listening to your body, and celebrating the small victories along the way.

What kept you grounded, or even hopeful, while everything in your life was shifting?

My support systems played a vital role throughout my breast cancer journey. Family and friends were my anchor – showing up with love, meals, and quiet encouragement.

Reliable information from doctors and cancer support organisations helped me make informed decisions and feel less alone.

Connecting with other survivors also gave me strength through shared understanding. These layers of practical and emotional support kept me grounded and resilient through every stage of healing.

If someone you love ever faces a moment like this, what do you hope she remembers from watching you?

I hope she remembers that resilience matters more than perfection. I want her to see that it’s possible to face fear, uncertainty, and pain without giving up, and to keep moving forward, even in small steps. I hope she remembers to focus on what truly matters – the people, moments, and joys that make life meaningful – and to feel gratitude for being alive every single day.

Above all, I want her to know that even in the hardest times, strength, hope, and love can carry her through.

For women avoiding screenings because they feel fine. What would you say to them?

Please go. I almost delayed mine, and that decision could have changed everything. Early detection gives you options. Screenings are a powerful act of self-care.

What advice would you give to women overwhelmed by work, family, hormones, or health crises?

Take one thing at a time. You don’t have to do everything perfectly. Prioritise rest, ask for help, and give yourself permission to slow down. These seasons are hard, but they often show us what truly matters.