Plate Of Origin contestant, 30, diagnosed with stage four cancer

A contestant on the debut season of Plate Of Origin has revealed that she was diagnosed with stage four cancer while filming the show earlier this year.

Chrys Hong, 30, told The Daily Telegraph that she began experiencing stomach pain mid-way through shooting the Channel 7 cooking competition, but put it down to nerves.

On her sister’s insistence, Chrys sought medical help but frustratingly had her symptoms dismissed by two GPs and a specialist over the course of a month.

A third doctor, however, decided to conduct a thorough investigation — and the results were devastating.

“That night I was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer,” she said.

Chrys, who is also a successful DJ known as KittyCoda, explained that the disease had spread to her bones, liver and lymphatic system meaning surgery was not an option. Instead, she commenced an aggressive course of chemotherapy but had to stop after three rounds because her body ‘couldn’t cope’.

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She’s about to start a different treatment which she says is ‘not as harsh’ as chemo.

Despite her shattering terminal diagnosis, Chrys was determined to remain in the competition as one half of ‘Team China’ with her best friend, Mandy.

“I finished the show. I just feel like this is very important … I just don’t want to give up yet,” she said.

Chrys is encouraging other young people to listen to their bodies and advocate for their health even if they’re told there’s nothing wrong.

“Always trust yourself and get a second opinion,” she said.

Plate Of Origin, which is hosted by Matt Preston, Manu Feildel and Gary Mehigan, begins 7pm Sunday, August 30 on Channel 7.

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