“Instead of being a victim of cancer, I wanted to be the hero of my journey.”
Those fighting words are from Dr Aisyah Asmadi, who overcame two breast cancer battles, first in 2006 when she was still studying and the second time in 2011 when she was already practising medicine in Sabah.
One person she looked up to and who helped her overcome cancer was Australian singer Kylie Minogue, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005.
“I saw videos of her going horseback riding and doing other activities. Just enjoying life. She showed that having cancer is not the end of the world,” said Dr Aisyah, 40.
Admitting she was afraid at first, she became emotional and held back her tears as she continued: “It was scary when I got the news, but I was determined to be the hero of my story and fought hard to overcome the illness.
“When it returned in 2011, I was not broken. I knew I had won once and could do it again.
“I want to be an inspiration to those who have cancer. That it is not the end of the world. There is still light at the end of the tunnel.”
After undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Dr Aisyah, a general practitioner, found solace in working out.
“I went to the gym to heal. I wanted to build my strength and fitness. I never thought I would be competing in bodybuilding competitions,” said Dr Aisyah, who will compete in the women’s over-35 division at NABBA (National Amateur Body-Builders’ Association) Universe in Birmingham, England, on Nov 3.
“But that was where I met a former bodybuilder and trainer, Mohd Ermi Dzulkifli, who, coincidentally, is now the chairman of NABBA Malaysia (National Amateur Body-Builders’ Association).
“He was the one who saw my potential and drive. He told me if I dared to fight cancer and had the will to attend the gym every day and watch my diet, I could be a bodybuilder.”
Dr Aisyah was hesitant but eventually took up the challenge and started winning gold medals.
She will make her third appearance at the NABBA Universe this year. In 2022, Dr Aisyah finished third, and last year she was second.
“Third, second and first, maybe?” she said with a twinkle in her eye. “I feel I have a good chance of winning as I learnt a lot from my two appearances. I started training immediately after the competition ended.
“I’m now in the final preparation stage. I’m not at my best right now as I’ve been dieting and not drinking much water as I need to stay ‘as dry as possible’. The plan is to peak on Nov 3. That is when you will see my ‘real’ muscles pop!”
Asked for a final message to cancer patients, Dr Aisyah said: “Willpower is the most powerful supplement. With it, you can overcome anything. Don’t be afraid.”
Joining Aisyah in Birmingham is Mohd Ismail Ahmad, who will compete in the men’s Classic Under-85kg category.
A serial winner at various other competitions, this is Ismail’s maiden appearance in the NABBA Universe.
“Although this is my first time, I am confident of winning,” said Mohd Ismail, 40.
“I hope to show the youth in Malaysia that we can turn bodybuilding from a hobby into a career.”
