Kaye Abad now cancer-free after battling breast cancer for one year

Kaye Abad opened up about her breast cancer journey on her 44th birthday.

In a YouTube vlog released late Sunday, the Cebu-based former actress shared clips spanning one year, beginning in January 2025 with her first checkup.

She opened the vlog by revealing that she is now cancer-free.

“As of now, you can declare that you’re a survivor and you’re cancer-free,” Kaye said. “I’ve been waiting for this day.”

According to Kaye, her health journey began in late 2024.

“Last September (2024), sumasakit yung tiyan ko,” she said, adding she thought it was just another one of her normal hyperacidity attacks.

"But then, na-alarm ako kasi it would last six hours,” she said.

Kate later underwent a full stomach ultrasound, which revealed multiple gallstones. After undergoing surgery to remove the gallstones, her doctor advised her to undergo a mammogram because of her age. She was 42 at the time.

It was when Kaye underwent a mammogram test a little over four months later that revealed her breast cancer.

“Ang clear lang sa akin is ‘yung sinabi niya na from the photo sa mammogram: it’s 95% malignant,” she recalled.

According to the National Cancer Institute, malignant is "a term used to describe cancer." It is an adjective to describe cells that are cancerous.

Kaye immediately called her husband, Paul Jake Castillo, and her sister to share the news.

On January 15, Kaye and Paul Jake consulted a breast surgeon, who confirmed she had breast cancer. The following day, they gathered their family and friends to share the diagnosis.

“We decided to do all the test and procedure sa Singapore,” Paul Jake said.

The married couple flew to the Little Red Dot four days later on January 19.

“One of the hardest parts sa journey ko, saying goodbye to my boys before going to Singapore,” Kate wrote.

“Ang hirap magpaalam na wala kang idea kung kalian ka babalik,” she added.

The latter part of the vlog documented Kaye’s medical journey in Singapore, including her consultations and treatments. One clip also showed fellow actor Paolo Contis joining her during one of the moments.

More than a year later, Kaye has beaten cancer. She now proudly calls herself a survivor.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, but it's also one of the most curable when detected early.

Early detection is your best defense against breast cancer. Make regular examinations, including self-checks, a priority in your health routine.

For women in their 40s, it is generally recommended to get breast cancer screening every year.

— Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA News