Finding the right breast surgeon in Singapore is an important decision if you have been diagnosed with a breast condition or are considering breast cancer surgery. Choosing the right breast surgeon ensures that you receive personalised care, accurate diagnosis, and the best possible outcomes.
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When To See A Breast Surgeon
The most common characteristic of breast cancer is that it often has no obvious symptoms in its early stages. Most breast cancer patients discover a lump in their breast during a physical examination or screening, while a small number discover it through self-examination or by feeling a lump during a doctor’s examination.
As cancer progresses, physical changes become noticeable. You should schedule a consultation with a breast surgeon if you observe any of the following:
- A persistent lump or thickening in the breast or armpit area.
- A newly retracted nipple.
- A change in the colour or skin of the breast, areola or nipple.
- Bloody nipple discharge.
- A change in the size or shape of the breast.
Selection Criteria and Evaluation Standards
Often, the “best” may also mean the “most qualified” one that best fits your unique requirements. Here are some of our tips on how you can find the most qualified or the best breast surgeon in Singapore.
- Check The Surgeon’s Qualifications And Subspecialty Experience – The first consideration should be whether the surgeon is officially recognised as a specialist by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Singapore. A surgeon who has undergone subspecialty training in breast surgery, oncology, or related fields will usually have the expertise to manage complex cases. Experience in treating both benign and malignant breast conditions, as well as participation in multidisciplinary tumour boards, may also indicate a comprehensive approach to care.
- Check For Reviews About The Surgeon – When choosing a breast surgeon, some patients may also look at online reviews on platforms such as Google. These reviews can provide insights into other patients’ experiences, such as the surgeon’s communication style, clinic environment, and waiting times. However, reviews should be interpreted with caution, as they may not always reflect medical expertise or treatment outcomes. It is best to use them as a supplementary guide, alongside more objective factors such as the surgeon’s qualifications, hospital accreditation, and insurance panel status.
- Insurance Panel Considerations – In Singapore, many patients rely on Integrated Shield Plans or corporate medical insurance to cover treatment costs. A key factor to consider is whether the surgeon is listed on your insurer’s specialist panel. Choosing a panel-approved surgeon often means that consultation fees, surgical procedures, and hospitalisation costs are more easily claimable, with fewer delays in processing. While it is possible to consult a surgeon outside your insurer’s panel, patients should be aware that this may result in higher out-of-pocket expenses. Thus, confirming a surgeon’s insurance panel status is a practical step in finding the most suitable care.
- Hospital Accreditation And Practising Rights – Breast surgeons in Singapore are accredited to perform procedures only at hospitals or day surgery centres where they hold practising rights. From the patient’s perspective, this matters because insurance companies often restrict claims to specific hospitals. For example, even if you select a highly experienced surgeon, you may face higher personal costs if they are not accredited at a hospital recognised by your insurance provider. Therefore, verifying both the surgeon’s practising institutions and their alignment with your insurance plan is essential.
- Continuity Of Care And Access To Biopsy Services – Another factor to consider is continuity of care. A breast surgeon not only reviews mammogram or ultrasound results but can also perform a biopsy during the same consultation if necessary. This can save valuable time compared with first visiting a general practitioner, who may later need to refer you to a specialist for further investigations. Patients with suspected breast cancer may find this streamlined approach reassuring, as it reduces the number of visits and shortens the waiting period for diagnosis.
- Patient Communication And Support – Breast surgery can be a daunting journey, and clear communication is vital. Patients should assess whether a surgeon takes time to explain test results, treatment options, and potential risks in an understandable way. Feeling comfortable and supported during consultations is an important part of the decision-making process.
List of Top Breast Surgeons in Singapore
Below is a compiled list of breast surgeons you may consider, with details on their clinic and area of expertise. This list is non-exhaustive, and can serve as a starting point for your search for the best breast surgeon in Singapore that fits your requirements.
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► Dr Tan Yia Swam – Breast Friend Surgery & Wellness
- Expertise – Dr Tan Yia Swam is a highly experienced general surgeon with a special focus on breast conditions, offering minimally invasive surgery, ultrasound-guided biopsies and comprehensive cancer surgical care. She is also the former President of the Singapore Medical Association.
As a member of our Preferred Doctor Partner Programme, Dr Tan actively co-written medical content for Health365 to verify clinical accuracy and clarity.
Content Co-written with Dr Tan:
- Lump In Breast – What Could It Mean?
- Breast Lump: How To Tell If What You Feel Is Normal Or Concerning
- Breast Sparing Surgery – When Is It An Option For Cancer Treatment?
- Breast Cancer Surgery Options In Singapore
► Dr Chan Ching Wan – Solis Breast Care & Surgery Centre
- Expertise – Sub-specialises in breast surgical oncology and benign breast disease management.
► Dr Esther Chuwa – Solis Breast Care & Surgery Centre
- Expertise – Specialises in oncoplastic breast surgery and management of young women with breast cancer.
► Dr Sujit Singh Gill – The Vascular & General Surgery Centre
- Expertise – General surgeon with significant expertise in breast surgery and surgical oncology.
► Dr Anthony Tang – The Breast Clinic
- Expertise – Focuses on breast-conserving surgery and oncoplastic techniques to preserve breast appearance.
► Dr Germaine Xu – Germaine Breast & General Surgical Clinic
- Expertise – Focuses on breast surgery, including the management of lumps, pain, and malignant conditions.
► Dr Tan Yah Yuen – Tan Yah Yuen Breast Surgery
- Expertise – Specialises in breast cancer surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsies; former Senior Consultant at KKH.
► Dr Yong Chee Kong – C K Yong Surgery & Breast Clinic
- Expertise – Experienced in general surgery with a dedicated interest in breast screening and surgery.
► Dr Serene Goh – National University Hospital
- Expertise – Breast surgical oncologist with expertise in AI-augmented screening and oncoplastic reconstruction.
► Dr Lui Su Ann – National University Hospital
- Expertise – Consultant specialising in breast and oncoplastic surgery with a focus on minimally invasive techniques.
Additional Resources
AIA Panel Breast Surgeons In Singapore
[SG] Featured Doctor
Featured Story
Contact Us For An Appointment
Whether you are seeking early diagnosis, a second opinion, or specialised treatment, this list is designed to guide you towards find the best breast surgeon in Singapore that fits your requirements. If you require assistance to arrange a consultation, contact us via the button below.