There was public concern after Huang appeared visibly haggard during MediaCorp Channel 8's 30th Drama Anniversary Show. He clarified that he had been suffering from stomach flu, said to have been contracted in September 2012. During which, he was estimated to have lost 6–7 kilograms in weight. Huang would also experience intervals of severe fever. In November 2012, Huang was diagnosed with lymphoma and had to go for chemotherapy. His condition was not disclosed to the general public until his death, because Huang "wanted to go through this by himself".
