Singer Joey Albert has spent more than four decades inspiring audiences with her music, but the greatest lesson she has ever shared did not come from a song. It came from surviving cancer.

Looking back on her battle with both cervical and colon cancer, Albert spoke candidly about the fear, uncertainty, and emotional toll of the disease, while offering a message of hope to others facing the same fight.

In an interview with Boy Abunda, the singer admitted that confronting cancer meant learning to live one day at a time.

"You know it's just really one foot in front of the other when it's something like that and hope and faith," she said.

Albert revealed that the diagnosis was devastating but not entirely unexpected. Having watched both her father and sister succumb to cancer, she had long prepared herself for the possibility that she, too, might one day hear the same life-changing words.

"Parang half of you expects it already na mangyayari ito sa akin. Nung finally nangyari na sa akin, actually tuwing nangyayari iisipin mo, 'ito na ba Lord?'" she recalled.

Rather than allowing fear to consume her, Albert said she focused on making every day count, ensuring every decision she made would benefit her family and the people who had stood by her throughout her career.

"Sinubukan ko talaga at sinikap kong gawin decision para sa kabutihan ng pamilya ko, ng mga anak ko, asawa ko, or ng mga naniwala sa akin throughout my career."

Her battle was marked not only by chemotherapy and the physical effects of treatment, including hair loss, but also by the emotional burden that many cancer patients know all too well: living with uncertainty.

"It's also the uncertainty. Of course, yes laban ka ng laban pero hindi mo rin naman talaga alam kung hanggang saan ka dadalhin nung paglalaban mo. Although, courage lang."

Courage did not mean pretending she was unafraid. It meant choosing to keep moving forward despite not knowing what the future held.

Cancer changed her perspective on life. Instead of questioning her faith, the illness strengthened it and taught her the importance of caring for herself.

"Nung nagka-cancer na ko, parang that's when I realized kailangan matuto akong mahalin sarili ko na pag wala ako, wala rin naman akong magagawa para sa iba."

Albert believes suffering can also become a source of compassion and purpose.

"Ang tinuro sa akin, yung mga paghihirap natin, puwede nating gawing mga tulay, stepping stones, para ipagdasal ang ibang tao. Kasi yun yung pinakamahalagang maalay natin sa Panginoon yung pain. Sacrifice is the most beautiful gift we can offer to God for other people."

Her story is one that resonates beyond show business. For countless people battling cancer, Albert's journey serves as a reminder that fear is natural, but hope, faith, and the support of loved ones can help carry them through even the darkest moments.

Now cancer-free and embracing life with renewed gratitude, Albert is preparing to celebrate another milestone, this time on stage.

The veteran singer returns to the spotlight with "Fortyfied: Joey Albert 45" set for July 30 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City.