What's the difference between a medical, radiation and surgical oncologist?

A medical oncologist treats cancer with drugs (chemotherapy, immunotherapy); a radiation oncologist uses radiotherapy; a surgical oncologist removes tumours. Many patients see more than one as part of a team.

Should I get a second opinion on a cancer diagnosis?

Yes — second opinions are normal and encouraged for cancer. They can confirm the plan or surface other options.

Is cancer treatment claimable?

Cancer treatment is often partially covered by MediShield Life, MediSave and insurance, within set limits. Confirm coverage with the centre and your insurer.

Best Cancer & Oncology Centres in Singapore

Oncologists diagnose and treat cancer using medical, radiation and surgical approaches, coordinating multidisciplinary care. Access to a tumour board and clear, compassionate communication matter most. Here are cancer centres we rate.

How we chose

This is an editorial shortlist, not paid placement. We prioritise providers accredited by Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) and listed on the Specialist Register where applicable, with relevant experience, genuine patient feedback and transparency about who treats you. We don’t publish a clinic’s rating or price unless we can verify it from a reliable source.

At a glance

Clinic	Lead doctor	Known for	Area
National Cancer Centre Singapore	Specialist team	Full-spectrum, multidisciplinary	—
Parkway Cancer Centre	Cancer specialists	Private comprehensive cancer care	—
Icon Cancer Centre	Oncology & haematology team	Network of cancer centres	—
OncoCare Cancer Centre	Subspecialised medical oncologists	Subspecialty medical oncology	—
Raffles Cancer Centre	Cancer specialists	Screening to long-term care	—

The clinics, in detail

1. National Cancer Centre Singapore

Singapore’s leading national and regional tertiary cancer centre, offering holistic, multidisciplinary oncology care alongside cutting-edge clinical and translational research. Official site. Source.

2. Parkway Cancer Centre

A private cancer centre with cancer doctors trained at notable oncology centres around the world, offering comprehensive treatment and supportive care. Official site. Source.

3. Icon Cancer Centre

A private cancer-care provider with a network of centres across Singapore, staffed by oncologists, haematologists and radiation specialists focused on evidence-based care. Source.

4. OncoCare Cancer Centre

Patients are treated by subspecialised medical oncologists, bringing deeper expertise and collaborative, team-based care. Official site. Source.

5. Raffles Cancer Centre

Part of Raffles Hospital, delivering holistic cancer care from screening and diagnosis to treatment and long-term follow-up, with internationally trained specialists. Official site. Source.

Prices and patient ratings are being independently verified and will be added as we confirm them. This guide is general information, not medical advice — always confirm a provider’s MOH accreditation and current fees directly.

Cancer screening & treatment guides

What an oncologist does and when to see one

Oncologists diagnose and treat cancer using medical (chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy), radiation and, with surgical colleagues, surgical approaches. Most patients reach an oncologist after a referral — for example following an abnormal screening result, a suspicious scan, or a biopsy. Cancer care in Singapore is increasingly delivered by a multidisciplinary team, where surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists discuss a case together so that the recommended plan reflects more than one specialist’s view.

What to look for when choosing a cancer centre in Singapore

Confirm that your treating doctor is registered with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) and listed on the Register of Specialists in the relevant field (medical oncology, radiation oncology or the relevant surgical specialty). Beyond credentials, consider:

Access to a multidisciplinary tumour board for your cancer type.
Subspecialty focus — some oncologists concentrate on particular cancers.
On-site or closely linked diagnostics, imaging and supportive care, including pain, nutrition and emotional support.
Clear, compassionate communication and a willingness to support a second opinion, which is entirely reasonable in cancer care.

Public vs private cancer care

Singapore’s public cancer centres offer comprehensive, subsidised, multidisciplinary care, while private centres may offer more flexibility and continuity with a chosen specialist. Both can deliver evidence-based treatment. Where waiting time, cost or a particular specialist matters most to you will guide the choice.

Costs and financing

Cancer treatment can be expensive, particularly drug therapy given over many months. For outpatient cancer drug treatment, MediShield Life and MediSave cover treatments listed on the Ministry of Health’s Cancer Drug List, with a separate claim limit for related cancer drug services such as scans, blood tests and consultations. Coverage under Integrated Shield Plans follows similar rules, so check your specific policy. Ask your centre for a written estimate and whether your planned treatment is on the Cancer Drug List before starting.

Common questions

Do I need a referral to see an oncologist?

Often yes — many patients are referred after a screening, scan or biopsy. Private oncologists may accept self-referrals, but a diagnosis usually needs to be established first.

Is a second opinion appropriate?

Yes. Seeking a second opinion is common and reasonable in cancer care, and a good team will support you in doing so.

Will my treatment be covered by MediShield Life?

Outpatient cancer drug treatments on the Cancer Drug List are claimable within set limits. Confirm with your centre whether your specific regimen is listed.

This is an independent editorial selection, not a paid listing. See how we research and choose clinics in our editorial policy & methodology.

Common cancers guides

In-depth guides to help you understand symptoms, treatment and costs in Singapore:

Find a oncologist

Prefer a named specialist over a clinic? See our independent, sub-specialty-grouped directory of cancer specialists (oncologists & haematologists) in Singapore.

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

Listed here, or want to be? If you are a doctor or clinic featured on this page and would like your entry corrected, updated or removed — or you would like to be added or featured — please reach out to us or use our contact form.