What’s the difference between a medical, radiation and haematologist oncologist?

A medical oncologist treats cancer with drug therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy; a radiation oncologist treats cancer with radiotherapy; and a haematologist treats blood cancers such as lymphoma, leukaemia and myeloma. Many patients are cared for by a team that includes more than one.

Should I see an oncologist who sub-specialises in my cancer?

Where possible, yes — many oncologists focus on particular tumour types (for example breast, lung, gastrointestinal, gynaecological, genitourinary or blood cancers), and that focused experience can help. Cancer treatment is usually planned by a multidisciplinary team, and a second opinion is reasonable.

Is this a ranking of the best oncologists?

No. This is a neutral editorial directory grouped by sub-specialty, not a ranking and not a paid listing. We list established specialists to help you find the right expertise, and encourage you to verify details and choose based on your own needs.

What cancer treatment costs are claimable in Singapore?

MediShield Life and MediSave cover approved outpatient cancer drug treatments on the MOH Cancer Drug List (CDL), within set limits, plus separate limits for cancer drug services. Integrated Shield Plans may provide additional cover. Costs vary widely by treatment; confirm specifics with your clinic and see our cancer treatment cost guide.

Best Cancer Specialists in Singapore: Editorial Directory by Sub-Specialty

A neutral, editorial directory of notable cancer specialists (oncologists & haematologists) practising in Singapore, grouped by sub-specialty to help you find the right expertise. This is not a ranking and not a paid listing.

How we compiled this directory

We list established, currently-practising cancer specialists (oncologists & haematologists) with a clear public professional footprint, chosen to cover the main areas of cancer and oncology care — not by who pays. Profiles are compiled from public sources and we omit ratings and prices, which we cannot independently verify. This is an independent editorial selection, not an advertisement — see our editorial policy. Always verify a doctor’s current registration on the SMC public register and choose based on your own needs, your GP’s referral and your insurance.

Medical oncology — breast cancer

Dr Peter Ang (Ang Cher Siang) — OncoCare Cancer Centre (medical oncology — breast cancer)

Medical oncology — lung & thoracic cancer

Dr Lim Hong Liang — Parkway Cancer Centre (medical oncology — lung cancer)

Medical oncology — gastrointestinal & colorectal cancer

Prof Iain Tan (Tan Bee Huat Iain) — National Cancer Centre Singapore — Division of Medical Oncology (medical oncology — gi/colorectal)

Medical oncology — gynaecological, genitourinary & general

Dr Lim Sheow Lei — OncoCare Cancer Centre (medical oncology — gynaecological)
Prof Ravindran Kanesvaran — National Cancer Centre Singapore — Division of Medical Oncology (medical oncology — genitourinary)
Dr Tan Sing Huang — OncoCare Cancer Centre (medical oncology — general)

Haematology — lymphoma, leukaemia & myeloma

Dr Daryl Tan (Tan Chen Lung) — Clinic for Lymphoma, Myeloma and Blood Disorders (haematology — lymphoma & leukaemia)

Radiation oncology

Dr Johann Tang — ME Novena Specialist Group (radiation oncology)

How to choose

Understand the types — a medical oncologist treats cancer with drug therapies (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy), a radiation oncologist uses radiotherapy, and a haematologist treats blood cancers. Many patients see more than one as part of a team.
Match the tumour type — many oncologists sub-specialise (breast, lung, GI/colorectal, gynaecological, genitourinary, blood cancers); seeing one focused on your cancer can help.
Get a multidisciplinary view — cancer care is usually planned by a tumour board; a second opinion is reasonable and common.
Costs — MediShield Life and MediSave cover approved outpatient cancer drugs on the MOH Cancer Drug List, within limits; see cancer treatment cost and Integrated Shield Plans.

Looking for a clinic rather than a named doctor? See our shortlist of oncology clinics in Singapore.

Independent editorial directory — not a paid listing or ranking, and not medical advice. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.

When to see a cancer specialist

An oncologist or haematologist manages the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and blood disorders. Patients usually reach a cancer specialist after a referral — for example, following an abnormal screening result, a suspicious scan or biopsy, or a diagnosis made by a surgeon or GP. Because cancer care is complex and time-sensitive, prompt specialist assessment matters once a diagnosis is suspected or confirmed.

What to look for when choosing an oncologist in Singapore

Registration and accreditation — confirm the doctor is registered with the Singapore Medical Council and listed on the Register of Specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology or haematology.
Tumour-type focus — many oncologists concentrate on particular cancers; a specialist who regularly treats your cancer type may be better placed to advise on current options.
Multidisciplinary access — modern cancer care is planned by a tumour board involving surgeons, radiologists, pathologists and oncologists. Ask whether your case will be discussed by such a team.
Hospital and trial access — the centre a doctor works with affects access to imaging, radiotherapy equipment and, where relevant, clinical trials.

Public and private cancer care

Singapore has well-established public cancer centres as well as private oncology practices. Subsidised care in the public system generally requires a referral and is means-tested for eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Private care allows you to choose your specialist, usually at higher cost. A second opinion before starting treatment is common and reasonable.

Costs and financing

Outpatient cancer drug treatments on the MOH Cancer Drug List can be supported by MediShield Life and MediSave within set limits, and many Integrated Shield Plans provide additional coverage. Coverage varies by drug, plan and treatment setting, so confirm the specifics with your oncologist and insurer before treatment begins. Keep records of treatment plans and costs to support any claims.

Questions to ask at your first consultation

What is the stage and type of my cancer, and what does that mean for treatment?
What are my treatment options, including their goals, benefits and side effects?
Will my case be reviewed by a multidisciplinary team?
What is the expected cost, and which parts may be claimable?

Common questions

Is it worth getting a second opinion?

Yes — seeking a second opinion before starting treatment is common in oncology and can help you feel confident about the plan. Most specialists understand and support this.

What is the difference between a medical and a radiation oncologist?

A medical oncologist treats cancer with drug therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy, while a radiation oncologist uses radiotherapy. Many patients see both as part of a coordinated plan.

Are cancer treatments covered by insurance?

Approved outpatient treatments on the Cancer Drug List can be supported by MediShield Life and MediSave within limits, and Integrated Shield Plans may add coverage. Always confirm details with your insurer.

Part of our Cancer care & screening guides · Browse all health topics

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