A major production company has issued a formal apology to award-winning singer and cancer survivor Jane Ng (Wu Wen-hsin) after a presenter at a high-profile music awards ceremony incorrectly labeled her as a “terminal cancer patient.” The incident occurred recently at the Metro Radio Hits Awards 2025, sparking a wider conversation about the damaging impact of misleading medical terminology and stigma faced by individuals managing serious illnesses.
Ng, known for her resilience while battling Stage IV cancer, received the “Metro Radio Hits I Support Newcomer” award. She later took to social media to express her profound disappointment over the introduction, stating that hearing the description “terminal” caused her heart to sink and felt acutely offensive. She emphasized that while the presenter and scriptwriters may not have intended malice, the term perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
Production Company Apologizes for “Inappropriate Wording”
On Monday, Rising Communication Centre, the production company responsible for the awards show, released a comprehensive statement acknowledging the error and offering a sincere apology to Ms. Ng, Metro Broadcast, and the public. The company confirmed that the script, which contained the inaccurate phrasing, was prepared by their staff and read out by presenter Chan Ho-yuen.
“We sincerely apologize for the inappropriate wording used during the award segment, which caused distress and harm to Ms. Jane Ng,” the statement read. The production unit explicitly detailed the terminology failure, acknowledging that the phrase “terminal cancer patient” was used in the script and failed to accurately reflect Ms. Ng’s health status.
The company further apologized to the presenter for the difficult position he was placed in and committed to taking full responsibility.
Distinguishing Stage IV from Terminal Illness
The core of the controversy lies in the critical distinction between “Stage IV cancer” and “terminal cancer.” Medical professionals and patient advocates consistently stress that Stage IV—meaning the cancer has spread from its original site—does not automatically equate to a terminal diagnosis. Advancements in treatment mean that many patients with Stage IV cancer live robust, productive lives for years.
Rising Communication Centre acknowledged this crucial psychological and medical difference. “We understand that ‘Stage IV cancer’ and ‘terminal cancer’ have absolute differences on medical and psychological levels, and perhaps should not be described as such at all. A simple label like ‘Life Warrior’ would have sufficed,” the company noted in its statement.
Ms. Ng has consistently advocated for positive narratives, asserting that her public journey is not about manufacturing sympathy but demonstrating perseverance. She publicly regretted not correcting the presenter immediately on stage, stressing the need to advocate for all Stage IV survivors against such labeling.
The production company pledged to overhaul its vetting procedures for scripts to ensure all public communications are accurate, respectful, and sensitive. They reiterated their support for Ng’s courageous battle and her contribution of positive energy to society. This incident serves as a sharp reminder to media organizations and public speakers about the power of language and the imperative to use patient-centered, dignified vocabulary when discussing serious health conditions.
