General surgeons play a role in the assessment, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and follow-up of several cancer-related conditions. In Singapore, patients with breast or colorectal symptoms may be referred to a general surgeon for evaluation, especially when imaging, biopsy, colonoscopy, or surgery may be required.
Breast cancer and colorectal cancer care usually involves a coordinated team. Depending on the patient’s diagnosis, this may include general surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, and allied health professionals.
Understanding the Role of a General Surgeon in Cancer Care
A general surgeon is trained to assess and manage conditions that may require surgical treatment. In cancer care, this may include evaluating symptoms, arranging diagnostic tests, performing biopsies, removing abnormal tissue, and carrying out cancer-related operations where appropriate.
For breast and colorectal cancer, a general surgeon may be involved from the early investigation stage through to treatment planning and post-operative follow-up.
Supporting Breast Cancer Assessment
Breast cancer care may begin when a patient notices a breast lump, nipple changes, breast pain, skin dimpling, or receives an abnormal mammogram or ultrasound result.
A general surgeon may support the assessment process by:
- Reviewing the patient’s symptoms and medical history
- Performing a clinical breast examination
- Recommending imaging such as mammography or breast ultrasound
- Arranging a biopsy if an abnormal area needs tissue diagnosis
- Discussing whether surgical treatment may be required
Not every breast lump is cancerous, but medical assessment can help determine whether further investigation is needed.
Supporting Breast Cancer Surgery
If breast cancer is confirmed, surgery may form part of the treatment plan. The type of surgery depends on factors such as tumour size, location, cancer stage, breast size, patient preference, and whether other treatments are recommended.
Breast cancer surgery may include:
- Lumpectomy or breast-conserving surgery
- Mastectomy
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Axillary lymph node surgery
- Coordination with reconstruction care where suitable
A general surgeon may explain the surgical options, discuss potential risks, review recovery expectations, and coordinate care with other cancer specialists when additional treatment is needed.
Supporting Colorectal Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Colorectal cancer can develop in the colon or rectum. Some patients may not have symptoms in the early stages, which is why screening is commonly discussed for individuals in appropriate age or risk groups.
A general surgeon may be involved when patients present with:
- Blood in the stool
- Persistent changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Iron-deficiency anaemia
- Positive stool test results
- Abnormal colonoscopy findings
Further evaluation may include colonoscopy, biopsy, imaging, or blood tests depending on the clinical situation.
Supporting Colorectal Cancer Surgery
If colorectal cancer is diagnosed, surgery may be considered as part of treatment planning. The operation recommended depends on the location and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s general health.
Colorectal cancer surgery may involve removing the affected section of the colon or rectum, nearby lymph nodes, and reconnecting the bowel where appropriate. In some cases, a temporary or permanent stoma may be discussed.
A general surgeon may help patients understand:
- Why surgery is being considered
- What type of procedure may be suitable
- Whether minimally invasive or open surgery is appropriate
- What recovery may involve
- Whether additional treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be needed
Coordinating Care With Other Specialists
Cancer care is rarely managed by one doctor alone. General surgeons often work with other healthcare professionals to support diagnosis and treatment decisions.
This may involve coordination with:
- Radiologists for imaging interpretation
- Pathologists for biopsy and tissue analysis
- Medical oncologists for chemotherapy or systemic therapy
- Radiation oncologists for radiotherapy planning
- Stoma care nurses where bowel diversion is needed
- Physiotherapists or rehabilitation teams during recovery
This team-based approach helps align surgical treatment with the patient’s overall cancer care plan.
Follow-Up After Surgery
Follow-up care after breast or colorectal cancer surgery may include wound checks, review of pathology results, monitoring for complications, and discussion of the next stage of treatment.
Patients may also need longer-term surveillance, such as imaging, blood tests, colonoscopy, or physical examinations, depending on their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Follow-up appointments can help identify recovery issues early and allow patients to raise concerns about pain, wound healing, bowel function, arm mobility, fatigue, or emotional adjustment.
When Patients May Consider Seeing a General Surgeon
Patients may consider medical review if they notice symptoms such as:
- A breast lump or persistent breast change
- Nipple discharge or skin changes around the breast
- Blood in the stool
- Persistent changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained abdominal symptoms
- Unexplained weight loss
- A positive cancer screening result
- A family history of breast or colorectal cancer
Medical evaluation does not always mean surgery is needed. However, early assessment can help determine whether further tests or specialist care are appropriate.
In Singapore, Dr Chong Chee Keong of Maven Surgery is an example of a general surgeon whose clinical focus includes breast and colorectal cancer surgery. Publicly available profiles describe him as a general surgeon practising in Singapore with a focus on minimally invasive breast surgery, as well as diagnosis and surgical management of breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
