Two Surgeons on a Cancer Journey by Motorcycle Across Asia

A compellingly-narrated, thrillingly-portrayed account account of an epic motorcycle journey taken in 2014 from Singapore to Sweden over 100 days. Philip’s aim to increase breast cancer awareness makes it more than the run-of-the-mill adventure holiday, but a ride with a cause. Written as an internal monologue, much in keeping with long motorcycle rides where hours are spent alone in a helmet with one’s thoughts, this chronicle runs through 17 countries and the entire sweep of the Silk Road. The motorcycles give the author an immediate access to different peoples and cultures, with a unique chance to meet breast cancer patients across different Asian countries. Time pressures in order to meet collaborators leads to mental collapse and near failure. As he falters from a mental breakdown and perseveres, it makes this journey more about cancer survival than ever intended.

Dr Philip Iau is a specialist in Breast Cancer and Trauma Surgery. He heads both Breast Cancer and Trauma workgroups in the National University Hospital, where he is appointed as Clinical Associate Professor. He published widely in both breast cancer and trauma research, and has an avid interest in how cultural factors affect how Asian women relate to breast cancer behaviour. His contention is that more work needs to be done to understand breast cancer patients in order to culturally contextualise the relevant breast health message, and not just to understand the disease itself.