Thirty-three year old popular Chinese singer Yao Beina died from breast cancer on Friday afternoon.

Yao became a household name in China after she recorded a string of theme songs for the popular drama, The Legend of Zhenhuan, three years ago.

Physicians found Yao's cancer cells had invaded her lungs and brain, a manager with her record label Huayi Brothers Music revealed. She decided to give away the corneas of her eyes before she succumbed to the deadly disease.

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The company said Yao had her left breast taken out four years ago after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Last month, she was treated at Shenzhen Hospital after the cancer recurred.

Fans, netizens and celebrities expressed their grief over the loss of the singer.  An online fan wrote Yao, the angel, has gone to sing in heaven.

Yao presented the theme song of Feng Xiaogang's 2012 movie, Back to 1942. She sang on several television galas, including last year's CCTV Spring Festival. An online CCTV survey showed Yao's songs were the audiences' top favorite performances in the gala.

Two years ago, Yao competed in "the Voice of China" which was her ticket to fame. She was a student of coach Na Ying in the show.

Her death raises awareness on the dangers of breast cancer, something actress Angelina Jolie went at great lengths to prevent by going under the knife to have both her breasts taken out.

The disease is a common cancer that forms in breast tissues, according to the U.S. National Cancer Institute.  The usual type is ductal carcinoma, which begins in the lining of the milk ducts from the breast to the nipple.

The institute said the invasive type of the illness is cancer that has gone from its origin in lobules or breast ducts to surrounding healthy tissue. Breast cancer can hit both women and men, although the cancer in males is rare. 

TagsYao Beina, Voice of CHina, Legend of Zhenhuan