Chinese man, 35, diagnosed with late-stage stomach cancer, tells pregnant wife they should separate, she refuses

A new father from Anhui, China, 35-year-old Hao (transliterated) told Dawan News that he was diagnosed with late-stage stomach cancer shortly after he got married in 2025.

To seek money for his medical treatment, his elderly grandmother resorted to collecting recyclables, which is how she suffered from a burn injury.

On top of that, his daughter was born prematurely with a set of health conditions that put further strain on the family.

Despite everything, Hao said his wife had stood by him.

Stomach cancer

Hao first found out about his cancer in September 2025 during a company-organised physical examination.

"I really couldn't accept it at the time," he recalled.

Subsequently, he went to Shanghai for treatment.

Due to the severe spread of cancer cells, surgery was not an option, and he could only rely on chemotherapy and immunotherapy to control the disease.

Premature baby

Hao's baby was born prematurely and later diagnosed with hydrocephalus and a heart defect.

While surgery is not required yet, regular checkups for the baby are still recommended.

His wife thus had to focus on taking care of the child and was unable to work.

Hao, meanwhile, goes to Shanghai for his chemotherapy each time.

So far, excluding medical insurance reimbursement, he has already spent more than 140,000 yuan (S$26,330).

Wife stood by him

Despite everything, Hao said his wife remained steadfast in her support.

Hao admitted that after being diagnosed, he had told his wife many times that he did not want to be a burden and told her they could separate.

However, his wife refused to give up, even planning to sell the house to pay for his medical treatment.

Hao said that while side effects of chemotherapy made his body ache, he can handle it as long as he gets to go back home and hold his daughter.

"My wish now is to spend as much time as I can with her as she grows up,” he said.

Support from others

Amid the hardship, there were also moments of kindness that Hao remains deeply grateful for. His supervisors visited him at home with daily necessities and did their best to continue his salary and bonuses for as long as possible.

To supplement his income, Hao also turned to livestream e-commerce on Douyin, selling plastic bags and small household items.

“Many netizens sent me private messages or words of encouragement during the livestreams. I was really touched, and it gave me more confidence to keep going,” he said.

At the same time, his local community has been supporting him by helping him apply for any policies and subsidies he may qualify for.