Get up close with our breast specialists and hear more from them on their philosophy for patient care and interesting personal anecdotes.
“It is very rewarding as a doctor to journey with a patient, helping to treat and ‘cure’ these (breast cancer) patients, whilst getting to know them along the way.”
Dr Tang is our Senior Consultant and Breast Surgeon who specialises in breast surgery. Prior to joining Solis, she was practicing in National University Hospital, where she is well versed in the care of benign and malignant breast conditions and provides comprehensive and holistic care for her patients.
Q. Why did you choose to become a breast surgeon?
I have always wanted to do surgery as I like the procedural aspect of it and being able to ‘work with my hands’. Back in the days whilst I was training in the UK, I had the opportunity to participate in research projects with the breast surgery team there and had the opportunities to learn more about diseases associated with breasts or breast cancer, and I found it interesting.
As I progressed through my training, I was able to work with different specialties, and realised I enjoyed the work in the field of breast surgery the most. I found the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer interesting, and it usually involves a multidisciplinary team, where you get a chance to work with other doctors. Also, the prognosis of the disease is quite good, where most patients recover from the disease and do well in the long run. Thus, it is very rewarding as a doctor to journey with a patient, helping to treat and ‘cure’ these patients, whilst getting to know them along the way.
Also, with oncoplastic surgery – there is the element of ensuring the patient has a good cosmetic outcome for their body image and quality of life, whilst also ensuring they are treated for their cancer.
Q. Share with us a patient’s story that left a deep impression on you
A patient of mine, who had recently delivered her second baby, noticed swelling and hardening in one area of her breast for four months. Thinking that it was caused by blocked ducts, as she was weaning her infant from breastfeeding, she saw a breast masseuse to clear the blockage. However, the patient’s symptoms progressively worsened despite being administered antibiotics by a GP to treat what was thought to be a breast infection. Her GP subsequently referred her to me, and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, the cancer had not spread to any other organs, and she was treated and remains well now.
Q. What is ONE myth or message that you would like women to know about breast cancer?
A common misconception is that breast pain indicates there is a serious underlying problem in the breast, whilst painless breast lumps are harmless. In fact, it is very rare for breast pain to signify an underlying cancer. Breast pain is more likely caused by hormonal changes or muscle aches on the ribs and chest wall. Whilst painless lumps that are progressively growing may be a sign of an underlying tumour or cancer – we should never brush that aside and schedule for an appointment with a breast surgeon to get ourselves check.
Q. What do you do during your free time?
Outside of work, I mainly spend time with my family – husband and 2 kids. I would love to travel again once the borders are open.
Q. What do you think you will be doing if you didn’t become a breast surgeon?
I probably would have done another surgical specialty within medicine, or maybe be a dentist? As I would like to be within the healthcare field, as I enjoy the procedural work and would like to use these skills to help others.
Article contributed and reviewed by Dr Tang Siau-Wei, Senior Consultant and Breast Surgeon at Solis Breast Care & Surgery Centre.
