Singaporean rapper and businessman Sheikh Haikel has been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and has undergone surgery, his wife Anna Belle Francis told Malay-language newspaper Berita Harian.
In a phone interview with BH on Sept 4, Anna Belle, 48, disclosed that the tumour Sheikh is suffering from is aggressive, and he is undergoing treatment to fight the cancer.
Sheikh, 50, also shared the news of his cancer diagnosis in a video on Instagram on Sept 4.
“With the heaviest of hearts, I would like to say and tell everyone who is watching this that I have fourth-stage cancer,” he said while holding back his tears.
The entertainer said he is disclosing his condition now, as he had told friends that he was fine despite them noticing that he had lost weight.
Anna Belle, a former actress and host-turned-entrepreneur, also assured them that he was fine when she was asked.
“I would also like to take this chance to apologise on behalf of my wife Anna Belle Francis, who only followed what I asked her to do,” he said.
“I haven’t been feeling good recently, and I don’t want something to happen and me not telling everybody.”
The celebrity added: “I would like everybody to know that I am going to give it my best shot ... The fact that I’ve shared this with everybody has made me feel better.”
In a message to BH, Anna Belle admitted that it was not easy for their family to accept or share the news.
However, Sheikh said in the BH report that he does not want the cancer diagnosis to be the end of his life and career.
Instead, he is determined to continue working throughout his treatment, including remaining involved in their food business, Hai Ge Ji.
He will also launch a new podcast titled Final Applause, which will serve as a platform for him to speak openly and honestly about his experience facing cancer and undergoing treatment.
Sheikh and Anna Belle, who have three children, hope that informing the public about his health condition will pave the way for more meaningful conversations, offer support and help those who may be going through a similar experience. - The Straits Times/Asia News Network
