Hong Kong TV host Lillian Sze loses battle with ovarian cancer

Hong Kong television host Lillian Sze has lost her battle against ovarian cancer, less than a month after disclosing her diagnosis on social media.

Sze passed away peacefully on Sunday, according to a post on her Instagram page signed off by her loved ones.

“Even in the face of illness, she maintained her positive spirit to cheer herself on, drawing immense strength from the support and well wishes of everyone around her,” the Chinese post read.

“We hope everybody remembers Lilian for the vibrant personality that she was,” it read.

Sze, who was in her 20s, worked as a television host for local network ViuTV and was also an event emcee. She was fluent in Korean and frequently emceed fan meetings for South Korean artists.

In late May, she announced on social media that she had ovarian cancer and was writing this post from the hospital. She said doctors discovered a tumour in her ovaries last October, and that she was officially diagnosed in February, when she underwent two major surgeries to remove the tumour.

Sze said she had a total hysterectomy in April and, after the surgery, had to be fitted with an artificial stoma bag to stay alive.

Earlier this month, she said on Threads that she was set to undergo a second round of chemotherapy. But last Wednesday, she said her condition had worsened and that doctors said she was no longer fit for chemotherapy. She said the focus had shifted to palliative care.

“I want to be useful, so I’ve applied to be a body donor,” she wrote. “I hope to help more students in the future, and I believe everyone will support [my decision].”

Sze’s boyfriend Kay Chan, a singer, shared the post announcing her death on his Instagram stories.

“[I] will forever remember how full of life you were,” Chan wrote.

Tough to detect early

Ovarian cancer can be tough to detect early on as it may present no symptoms, or symptoms that are similar to common digestive and menstrual issues.

According to the UK’s NHS, key warning signs that occur around a dozen or more times a month may include: persistent bloating or a swollen tummy; pain or tenderness around the tummy or area between the hips; a loss of appetite or feeling full quickly after eating; and an urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often.

Lethargy, indigestion, constipation or diarrhoea, back pain, weight loss or unusual bleeding from the vagina may also occur. Those experiencing symptoms should contact a GP.