A Sudden Nosebleed Unveils a Nightmare of Cancer

"There was a time when I felt my life was nearing its end. But at Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, I saw hope again."

In April 2023, 65-year-old Malaysian Chinese Mr. Tan Soy Mok was living a regular and healthy life. He walked 5 kilometers every morning and had a stable career and a harmonious family. However, a sudden and persistent nosebleed shattered his peace. Initially, he didn’t pay much attention, but his wife insisted he seek medical attention. The biopsy results were shocking: undifferentiated non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma with bilateral cervical lymph node metastasis. A PET-CT scan further confirmed that the tumor was located on the right side of the nasopharynx, close to the brain—making treatment significantly more challenging.

Local doctors recommended traditional chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy. However, this option filled Mr. Tan with great concern. "The worst thing about cancer isn’t the disease itself, but the side effects of chemotherapy," Mr. Tan said. Having witnessed a friend pass away due to the severe side effects of traditional chemotherapy, he harbored a deep fear of the word "chemotherapy." He knew he had to find a new path to fight cancer.

Mr. Tan Soy Mok

Refusing to Follow Blindly: Searching for "Precision Treatment"

As a professional in the field of chemistry, Mr. Tan understood the pros and cons of various treatment methods better than most people. He knew that the traditional "one-size-fits-all" chemotherapy was not suitable for him. Since Malaysia’s healthcare system had not yet widely adopted targeted therapy and minimally invasive interventional techniques, he decided to look abroad.

Through social media and Google searches, he came across Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, an international hospital specializing in the integrated treatment of tumors using both Chinese and Western medicine. He immediately contacted the Kuala Lumpur International Service Center for a remote consultation. The hospital not only thoroughly explained his condition but also provided a personalized comprehensive treatment plan: interventional chemotherapy + precision radiotherapy + natural therapy + traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regulation.

Out of caution, he sent his medical records to a German partner for a second opinion. To his surprise, the German oncologist’s treatment recommendations aligned perfectly with those of Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou! "When both Eastern and Western experts recommend the same treatment plan, I knew I had found the right direction for my cancer fight."

In May 2023, accompanied by his wife, Mr. Tan embarked on a journey to Guangzhou for medical treatment. Upon admission, a comprehensive examination at the hospital revealed that his tumor was located on the right side of the nasopharynx (T1N2M0 stage), measuring approximately 3.8 * 2.7 cm, with a 2.9 * 1.8 cm metastatic lymph node on the right side of the neck. After a multidisciplinary team (MDT) consultation, a four-step comprehensive minimally invasive treatment plan was customized for him:

1. Minimally Invasive Interventional Chemotherapy: Through a 1-2 mm incision, high-concentration drugs are precisely injected into the tumor’s blood vessels. This method increases the drug concentration by 2-92 times compared to intravenous chemotherapy while significantly reducing side effects. Each treatment session lasts only 30 minutes to 1 hour.

2. Precision Radiotherapy: Accompanied by 30 sessions of low-intensity targeted radiotherapy, this approach focuses on eliminating residual cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal tissues.

3. Natural Therapy: Enhances immunity to build a long-term defense against cancer and prevent recurrence.

4. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Regulation: Uses herbal medicine to improve physical constitution and enhance overall treatment efficacy.

Hospitalization photo with doctor in 2023

After completing two treatments in January 2024

Every step of the treatment process brought relief. After the first interventional treatment, Mr. Tan’s long-standing nosebleed symptoms significantly improved. After the second treatment, his nasal congestion markedly alleviated, and the nosebleeds nearly disappeared. After the third treatment, a PET-CT scan showed that the tumor’ s activity had completely ceased, with the nasopharyngeal and cervical lymph tumors nearly gone. In April 2025, during a follow-up visit, the examination results confirmed that the nasopharyngeal tumor had completely disappeared without any signs of recurrence.

Dr. Hu Ying, the attending physician, summarized in the medical record: "This case exemplifies the combined advantages of minimally invasive intervention, personalized radiotherapy, and immune regulation. It has been two years since the patient’ s treatment, and the tumor has completely vanished, with excellent therapeutic outcomes." Mr. Tan even joked, "The only side effect was mild hair loss, but three months later, my hair grew back softer than before, like a baby’s."

CT before treatment

CT after treatment

A Tribute to Life: From a Fighter to a Beacon of Hope

Beyond the impressive medical technology, the hospital’s humanistic care deeply moved Mr. Tan and his wife. "Similar to Malaysia’s breast cancer support groups, Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou has a patient club for all cancer patients," he remarked. He particularly appreciated the club, where patients from various countries encouraged each other. Events such as New Year’s parties, Mid-Autumn festivals, and Pearl River night cruises helped him forget his illness. "This place doesn’t feel like a hospital; it’s more like a warm home," his wife added. The kitchen, laundry facilities, and the kind greetings from staff made them feel at ease.

Mr. Tan Soy Mok and his wife

2023 New Year Party

Group photo of the service center's New Year activities

During his treatment, Mr. Tan didn’t stop there. He specially commissioned a crystal plaque to thank the entire medical and service team of the hospital. He actively recommended the hospital to the Malaysian Chinese Association and his relatives and friends. Moreover, he kept his phone on 24/7, receiving and counseling one or two patients per week. "I seek no reward; I simply want to pass on this hope," he said.

In 2024, he accompanied several friends to the hospital for treatment, all of whom achieved positive outcomes. "I was once a cancer patient; now, I’m a ‘health ambassador.’"

Mr. Tan Soy Mok presented a crystal plaque

Taking a photo with hospitalized friends in 2024

In April 2025, Mr. Tan had successfully battled cancer for over two years. While traveling in China with his wife, he resumed activities like morning jogs and exercise. He expressed, "I am now looking forward to my fifth year." In the field of tumor treatment, five-year survival is a key milestone for measuring therapeutic success.

Travel photos with wife

From Kuala Lumpur to Guangzhou, from despair at diagnosis to a renewed lease on life, Mr. Tan’s story embodies the three core elements of modern tumor treatment: technological breakthroughs (interventional targeting), interdisciplinary collaboration (integration of Chinese and Western medicine), and humanistic warmth. As he stated in an interview, "Cancer is no longer a death sentence—the key is to find the right hospital, trust the doctors, and maintain optimism. Everyone can create miracles." Mr. Tan’s story is a true reflection of Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou’s professionalism and compassion; it serves as a microcosm of Southeast Asian patients seeking medical care abroad and represents the genuine hope of countless cancer-stricken families. Guangzhou Modern Cancer Hospital has built a bridge of life for international patients with its expertise and love.

Taking photo with medical staff