AV actress Yuma Asami battles ovarian cancer

TOKYO (TR) – Popular adult video (AV) starlet Yuma Asami announced via Twitter on Thursday that she had a medical procedure earlier this year to treat cancer, reports the Sankei Shimbun (June 7).

The 26-year-old Asami (@asami_yuma on Twitter) said in a tweet that she had surgery to remove a tumor discovered in one of her ovaries and that she was currently undergoing medical treatment.

The Sankei cites a person familiar with the matter who says that Asami began suffering from stomach problems in January. A subsequent MRI exam revealed that she had ovarian cancer. On February 27, doctors removed her uterus and ovaries.

After the surgery, doctors determined that her cancer is borderline malignant and classified as stage three — out of four — which signifies the extent it has developed.

The native of Gunma Prefecture was a member of Ebisu Muscats, a pop group of gravure and AV idols which ceased activities following a farewell tour in April.

On April 7, the actress participated in “graduation” ceremonies for the group. The show has been her last public appearance to date. On the following day, she announced on Twitter that a second stage in her life was beginning.

In 2005, Asami made her AV debut for label Alice Japan with “Innocent Hard-Core” and “New Face Risky Mosaic” for S1. Three years later, she captured the Most Appearances title at the SkyPerfect Adult Broadcasting Awards.

In a subsequent tweet on Thursday, Asami indicated that she was very pleased to receive words of encouragement from her fans. “I’m working hard to move forward, and am looking forward to hearing from you,” she said.