Q&A with Dr Lee Guek Eng
Icon Cancer Centre Medical Oncologist Dr Lee Guek Eng
is passionate about ensuring cancer patients receive
personalised care throughout their journey. She has a
particular focus on the continued development of breast
cancer treatments and further helping women of all ages
during a difficult time in their lives. We sat down with Dr Lee
to find out more.
1.
Why did you become a doctor?
I didn’t start out wanting to be a doctor. My first degree
was in Science where I did research work in oncology. It was
then that I realised that I want to do more - I wanted to have
more ‘human touch’ and to be able to offer comfort and help
those in need.
2.
Why oncology?
I think oncology is a discipline which really comes face to
face with life and its meaning. I feel strongly about taking
care of patients who are at a turning point in their life. I am
truly humbled and privileged to be walking the journey with
my patients. While there are a lot of emotional stress and
rollercoasters, patients teach me a lot about strength and
resilience in the face of adversity.
3.
Why did you chose to specialise in female cancers?
I chose female cancers and specialising in young women
cancers primarily because of my interest in the topic and
also because I can relate to my patients and want to give
them every opportunity to receive the best possible care.
4.
What are the challenges young women with cancer
face?
When young women are diagnosed with cancer they are
often at a vulnerable or changing time in their lives. They
can be juggling work and family, all while navigating through
other life commitments. Issues like fertility, genetic testing
and financial stress are factors during treatment and
into survivorship. They are also often more susceptible to
psychological issues, so we need to be able to support them
by connecting them with the right specialists, allied health
professionals and support groups.
5.
How would you describe the care you provide your
patients?
I like to empower my patients to make the best decision with
current evidences. A decision that they can live with and not
regret after. I see myself as their counsel who is equipped
with the knowledge to guide them through this decision-
making process, balancing the pros and cons of treatment
and also taking their priorities in life into considerations.
6.
What do you think is important for patients going
through cancer?
I think it is important to focus on oneself. Most of the time,
as women, we may not be very kind to ourselves; we may
have high expectations and take on various responsibilities
at work, and at home. Upon diagnosis, I think it’s important
to let go of all these responsibilities, and truly let yourself
rest and recuperate. Be kind to yourselves, delegate jobs
and responsibilities. Accept help from others and take it
one step at a time. One of my favourite quotes from author
Murakami: “The point is, not to resist the flow. You go up
when you’re supposed to go up and down when you’re
supposed to go down. When you’re supposed to go up,
find the highest tower and climb to the top. When you’re
supposed to go down, find the deepest well and go down to
the bottom. When there’s no flow, stay still. If you resist the
flow, everything dries up. If everything dries up, the world is
darkness.”
7.
What inspires you in the work you do each day?
The strength and the grace of how different patients
confront their disease is a daily inspiration for the work that
I continue to do.
For more information on Dr Lee Guek Eng or Icon
Cancer Centre visit iconcancercentre.sg and follow
them on Facebook at Icon Cancer Centre – Singapore.