Getting To Know… Dr Lim Sue Zann
Behind every surgeon is a story – a path carved out of passion, resilience and a deep desire to heal. We sit down with Dr Lim Sue Zann, Senior Consultant & Breast Surgeon at Solis, to uncover what drives her in her profession, the patient experiences that continue to inspire her, and how she unwinds when she’s not in the operating theatre. Her words offer a glimpse into the heart and humanity behind the scalpel.
Dr Lim Sue Zann joins the Solis team from the SingHealth Duke-NUS Breast Centre, National Cancer Centre Singapore. She has a special interest in oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery, with focus on keyhole mastectomy. With deep experience across the full spectrum of breast surgery, including breast-conserving, reconstructive, and minimally invasive techniques – Dr Lim is committed to restoring both health and confidence to the women she treats.
1. Why did you choose to become a breast surgeon?
Being a surgical oncologist is incredibly fulfilling – it’s a privilege to remove a tumour and help cure someone of cancer. Breast surgery, in particular, is unique because it blends oncological expertise with aesthetic precision. I find joy in not only treating the disease but also restoring, and sometimes even enhancing, my patients’ appearance. Helping women regain their confidence after such a life-altering diagnosis is what keeps me going every day.
2. Share with us a patient’s story that left a deep impression on you.
I’ve had many young breast cancer patients who showed incredible strength raising their young children while battling through breast cancer, which left me with nothing but admiration. But one story stands out. A foreign patient in her 50s came to me with advanced right breast cancer that had grown through the skin. She had been in denial and sought medical attention only because her daughter, only in her 20s and just started work in Singapore – insisted. Despite the financial constraint, the daughter was very decisive and determined to provide her mum with the best treatment. She was her mother’s guiding light, providing support every step of the way. Today, the patient is well and cancer-free, and I often remind her how fortunate she is to have such a brave and lovely daughter.
3. What is ONE myth or message that you would like women to know about breast cancer?
There are many myths about breast cancer, but one particularly harmful myth is that biopsy on a breast lump will cause the cancer to “explode” or spread more rapidly to the other parts of the body. This is absolutely untrue. I would like to emphasise that a biopsy is a vital diagnostic tool – it allows us to understand the nature of the lump and begin appropriate treatment. Delaying care out of fear can lead to worse outcomes, so it’s important to dispel such myths and encourage timely medical attention.
4. How do you spend your free time?
Most of my free time is spent with my children – often reminding them to focus on their studies! As I approach middle age, I’ve come to value learning new skills to keep my mind active, so I’ve started picking up Korean. I also play tennis with my dad weekly – it’s our way of staying active and spending quality time together.
5. What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t a breast surgeon?
I’d probably be a jewellery or fashion designer. As a child, I used to make pretend jewellery out of beads and stick them onto my ears with scotch tape. I also loved playing with my mother’s clothes – though she wasn’t always pleased – and “altered” them using safety pins so that they fit me. Creativity has always been a part of me, and I think I would’ve loved designing beautiful things.
Article contributed and reviewed by Dr Lim Sue Zann, Senior Consultant and Breast Surgeon at Solis Breast Care & Surgery
