Caring for her dying father at 17 shaped how this veteran nurse cares for breast cancer patients today
KKH oncology-trained nurse Teresa Ng learnt early that breast cancer patients and their families need more than medical care. For decades, the 61-year-old has helped women and their families navigate the fear, uncertainty and challenges that come with the disease – even after treatment ends.
Teresa Ng, a 61-year-old oncology-trained nurse at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, has dedicated her career to caring for breast cancer patients and their families. Early in her career, while tending to her terminally ill father, Ng learned the profound impact of compassion in healthcare. This experience shaped her approach to treating breast cancer patients, emphasizing the importance of emotional support alongside medical care.
Ng joined KKH in 1993, initially working in gynaecological oncology before moving to breast cancer care in 2009. She believes that patients need more than just good medical care; they require someone who listens, explains things honestly, and recognizes the person behind the diagnosis. Ng's empathetic approach has been crucial in helping patients navigate the emotional challenges of breast cancer.
Common fears among breast cancer patients include dying, self-blame, and burdening their families. Ng provides a safe space for patients to express their concerns and answers their questions without overwhelming them. She also educates patients about potential side effects of treatment, such as fatigue and hair loss, to help manage their expectations and reduce anxiety.
Ng understands that treatment may not be the only concern for patients and that their families may want to "fix" things when the patient needs time to process her diagnosis and treatment options. She encourages families to support the patient without taking away their sense of control.
Beyond her clinical work, Ng is involved in population health projects and has started or contributed to initiatives that support women through the practical and emotional challenges of breast cancer. She has chaired the KK Alpine Blossoms Breast Cancer Support Group since 2009, which runs a peer support programme called Blossom Buddy and initiatives like Knitted Knockers and The Yarn Wonders. Ng's handmade gestures demonstrate her commitment to providing emotional support beyond medical care.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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