Actress Kaye Abad has emotionally opened up about one of the most difficult chapters of her life, revealing that she battled breast cancer for nearly a year after being diagnosed in 2025 but has now been declared cancer-free by her doctor.
In a vlog posted on Sunday, she shared that her health concerns began after experiencing unusual symptoms, which led to a series of medical tests and procedures. After undergoing further screening following earlier surgery, doctors discovered a serious condition that required immediate attention and treatment.
Kaye described how her diagnosis was confirmed after a mammogram and multiple medical evaluations.
She recalled the moment her doctor gave her hopeful news, saying: “Yeah, the doctor declared. She said, she declared, as of now, you can declare that you’re a survivor and cancer-free.”
The actress said the confirmation brought overwhelming emotion, as she finally received reassurance after months of uncertainty and treatment.
"From the very first day na nagstart ako mag film for this vlog, wala akong idea what was ahead of me. I didn't know what treatments I would go through, how hard the journey would be or if I would even survive it. For 1 year ang daming moments of uncertainties. But also so much faith, hope, and love that carried me through. And today I can finally say, I am a cancer survivor,” she wrote in the caption.
“I didn’t pretend I wasn’t sick. I just pretended to be well,” Kaye said.
Abad documented the early part of her journey, revealing that she began recording her experience in January 2025 when she was scheduled for a mammogram recommended after a previous gallbladder operation.
“Last September (2024), sumasakit yung tiyan ko. I thought, the normal hyperacidity attack ko. But then, na-alarm ako kasi it would last [for] six hours. Nagpa-full stomach ultrasound ako and nakita nila na meron akong multiple stones sa gallbladder.”
Following her gallbladder operation in September 2024, her gastroenterologist recommended that she undergo a mammogram as part of routine screening due to her age.
She did not immediately proceed with the mammogram because she said she was afraid of what the results might show.
She admitted that fear initially caused her to postpone the procedure, but she eventually chose to face it head-on. Following the test, doctors discovered a malignant tumor.
“While the doctor was talking, parang lumulutang ang mga words na sinasabi niya. Parang hindi ko ma-absorb. Ang clear lang sa akin is 'yung sinabi niya na from the photo of the mammogram it’s 95% malignant,” Kaye said.
“I’m just hoping na early stage pa lang siya. I know I’ll be okay. God is good. I know everything will be okay and kaya ko ‘to,” she added.
Kaye immediately called her husband, Paul Jake Castillo, who was then in Siargao, as well as her sibling, to inform them about her diagnosis.
On January 15, Kaye and Paul Jake consulted a breast surgeon who confirmed that she had breast cancer. The following day, they gathered their family and close friends to share the news.
Following this, the couple immediately consulted a breast surgeon who confirmed that Kaye had tested positive for breast cancer. Paul Jake shared that they decided to undergo all necessary tests and procedures in Singapore. Four days later, on January 19, the couple flew to Singapore to begin her treatment journey.
“We decided to do all the test and procedure sa Singapore,” Paul Jake said.
“One of the hardest parts sa journey ko, saying goodbye to my boys before going to Singapore... Ang hirap magpaalam na wala kang idea kung kalian ka babalik,” she said.
“Please take care of the kids while we are not home...Only my sister knows. My mom...I’ll try to hide it until I will be okay because I don’t want her to worry,” Kaye added.
In the latter part of the vlog, Kaye documented her medical journey in Singapore, including her consultations and treatments. In one clip, fellow actor Paolo Contis was seen accompanying her during one of her visits.
“Ako rin naman. Alam kong hindi ako pababayaan ni Lord because He’s always been there ever since. Kahit dalaga pa ako never akong pinabayaan. Hanggang sa nagkaasawa ako, nagkaanak ako, walang problema. Mataas 'yung faith ko kay God na hindi niya ako pababayaan. God is good, always," she said.
“I know he’s just there, ngayon pa, I know ngayong mas kailangan ko siya, hindi niya ako pababayaan,” Kaye added as she turned emotional.
Kaye said her faith played a major role in helping her endure the challenges of cancer treatment and uncertainty. She shared that acceptance, strength, and support from family helped her push through the journey.
After a year of treatment and recovery, Kaye confirmed that she is now cancer-free, a moment she described with deep gratitude and relief.
She now proudly calls herself a survivor.
