‘How could I have cancer for the second time?’: dad’s disbelief after shedding 25kg through diet changes and fitness regime, and how his faith buoyed him

Filipino banker in Hong Kong, Winston Herrera, was at his heaviest, weighing 93kg, when he decided to regain his fitness; then he got a colon cancer diagnosis

After his recovery and a fitness reboot, he shed 25kg – then got a lung cancer diagnosis. His healthy lifestyle, family support and faith keep him strong

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Winston Herrera (above) beat colon cancer and, a few years later, lung cancer. In between, he shed 25kg through diet changes, strength training and walking. Photo: Edmond So

Bhakti Mathur

Published: 6:15pm, 22 Jan 2023Updated: 7:11pm, 22 Jan 2023

The thought of facing cancer is terrifying for most of us; the idea of having it for a second time is inconceivable.

Winston Herrera, though, has survived cancer twice, diagnosed first with colon cancer, then with lung cancer. His story is one of willpower, courage and faith.

In 2017, the banking executive and long-term Hong Kong resident was at his heaviest, overweight and weighing 93kg (205 pounds). Poor eating habits, stress, long working hours and lack of exercise had led to the weight gain over the years.

Fed up with feeling unfit, and determined to regain his vitality, he embarked on an exercise routine to shed the excess kilos.

Winston Herrera embarked on a fitness journey in 2019, losing 55 pounds (25kg) over six months through exercise and diet, and finding solace and strength in his Christian faith. Photo: Winston Herrera

Just a month into his new fitness regime, Herrera received a blow: he was diagnosed with colon cancer.

He had been constipated and bloated, so when he passed blood in his stool, he promptly saw a doctor. A colonoscopy revealed stage 2 colon cancer in August 2017.