'I’ve always played through adversity': 33-year-old HK actor Will Or diagnosed with stage 4 lung adenocarcinoma

Hong Kong actor Will Or Wai-lam has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung adenocarcinoma and will temporarily suspend work to undergo treatment. The 33-year-old shared the news in an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday.

Or said his symptoms began in May, starting with a persistent cough that did not improve with initial treatment. A CT scan and follow-up consultation confirmed the diagnosis of late-stage lung cancer.

He also experienced dizziness and headaches, which he had initially dismissed as stress-related.

“Even after I got the diagnosis, I continued working,” he wrote. “The day I was discharged from the hospital, I went home, showered, and went straight to rehearsal. Staying home would’ve just meant waiting.”

Despite the diagnosis, Or struck a resilient tone: “I’m okay. I’ve always played through adversity,” he wrote.

Or made his screen debut in 2016 and rose to prominence with his role in Drifting (2021), which earned him nominations for Best Supporting Actor at the 58th Golden Horse Awards and both Best Supporting Actor and Best New Performer at the 40th Hong Kong Film Awards. In just nine years, he has built an impressive resume, with performances in acclaimed films such as Weeds on Fire, One More Chance, and Anita, as well as TV dramas including Leap Day and Backup Memory.

+4

He was originally scheduled to appear in 50 performances of Let Me Entertain You starting August 8. However, a cast replacement notice was issued today, confirming that he will no longer take part in the production.

The actor also shared that he has commenced targeted therapy treatment.

Or’s announcement has drawn widespread concern and support from fans and industry peers, many of whom have left messages of encouragement on his social media accounts.

According to the Cancer Online Resource Hub, lung cancer is the most common cancer in Hong Kong. While the overall five-year relative survival rate for lung cancer patients is 21.8 percent, those diagnosed at stage IV, like Or, have a significantly lower survival rate of just 7.8 percent.

Cancer Online Resource Hub: https://www.cancer.gov.hk/en/hong_kong_cancer/common_cancers_in_hong_kong/lung_cancer.html