Dr Tan Yia Swam is a general surgeon at Mount Alvernia Hospital. Her subspecialties lie in minimally invasive breast surgery, ultrasound-guided biopsy of breast lumps, aspiration of breastfeeding abscesses, and surgery for breast cancer such as breast conservation surgery, skin-sparing/nipple-sparing mastectomy, and sentinel lymph node biopsy. She was the first woman to be president of the Singapore Medical Association.
Tan became a Nominated Member of Parliament in 2021 at the age of 40 years[1]. She felt that it was not unusual for medical diagnoses to be challenged vigorously at times, and doctors saw this as part of the process that was in the interest of patients. In the same way, she hoped that differing and even dissenting views would be welcome in Parliament. She hoped to speak about mental wellness and the challenges and needs of single adults, single parents and other less represented groups "who might not otherwise have a chance to be heard."
In this vein, she spoke up in Parliament for the repeal of Section 377A in 2022.
Speech during the Parliamentary debate over Bills to repeal Section 377A and amend Constitution to protect definition of marriage from court challenges, 29 November 2022[]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c17u7hWhDFk
Transcript:
2.07 pm
Dr Tan Yia Swam (Nominated Member): Mr Speaker, in my view, the proposed amendments are nothing more than stating the current social norms.
I am not a lawyer. Let the lawyers discuss the legal aspects of the implications of such a change. I am not a religious leader. I look to them to lead the future discussions of what their faith finds permissible. I speak to you now, as a doctor and as a mother of boys.
As a doctor, I will treat all patients who come before me equally, regardless of race, language or religion, and – I add – sexual preferences or gender identity. I ask about these only to advise on any impact on their medical care.
As a mother of boys, I want for them a world where they can grow safely in. What does that mean?
Think back to your growing years. It was a time to find oneself – your identity and who you are – and I dare say that there are some adults who are still searching or may never find the answer their whole lives.
We form our identity through multiple factors – our character at birth, be it extro- or introverted, then shaped by family, school and peers. Teenagers explore their sexuality and their gender identity.
In my time, tomboyish girls and effeminate boys were given mocking and even derogatory names. For those of us who were lucky to never be confused as to whether you liked a boy or girl, it was already not easy. We still worried and fussed over whether your crush liked you back, collected red saga seeds, folded hearts from bus tickets and listened to heartbreak songs.
For those who felt an attraction to someone of the same gender, I can only imagine the fear and anxiety – fear that there’s something wrong with you, that your parents will disown you, that your friends will call you a freak. How many have suppressed their feelings and stayed single or went on to have a heterosexual relationship just to fit in? How many are deeply unhappy?
For those who have advocated actively for LGBTQ rights, I applaud their steadfast commitment and bravery. I am glad that one key change will be achieved – the decriminalisation of the homosexual male.
I look to an environment where each person can grow and explore safely.
As I have said in most of my other speeches, education is key – education by the family, by formal schooling and by the various faiths. For those people facing conflicts and stress, there must be safe havens for them to seek fair and balanced counselling without undue influence.
Perhaps the healthcare profession needs to step up and lead this with paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists who are trained and experienced – professional providers who do not impose their personal views.
In schools, I urge MOE to review the sex education component to ensure that it is based on science and facts, while controversial opinions and trends are clearly stated as such. This will be a guide for parents to use in our own conversations at home with our growing children. To fellow parents, if you, like me, grew up without any knowledge of LGBT terms, let us educate ourselves. What is hetero, homo, pan or asexual? What is trans or cis gender? What is sexual orientation versus sexual identity? Only then we are equipped to guide our children as they grow and explore. This is when we can meaningfully share our personal beliefs, our religious convictions and allow the child to find his or her own way, with love and support.
We fear what we do not know. We react with anger when we are hurt. We are all talking a lot. But are we listening? I am deeply aware of how divisive discussing LGBTs rights is and how society may become fragmented. We are one Singapore, one united people. I urge everyone to stay calm and be kind. The above notwithstanding, I support both amendments.
Raising awareness of breast health in LGBT community[]
On Friday, 11 October 2024, Tan uploaded a video to the Instagram and Facebook pages of breastfriendsurgery to raise awareness of breast/chest health in the LGBT community[2],[3].
Transcript:
"Hi Breast friends!
I am Dr Tan Yia Swam, of Breastfriend Surgery & Wellness.
In this reel, I’m raising raising awareness about breast cancer in the LGBTQ community.
There isn’t much research into this. In the comments, I share a JAMA article published in 2023, as well as a writeup discussing the findings.
I hope that in this simple short video, I can reach out to the local LGBTQ community to remember your breast or chest care.
Regardless of gender identity , everyone has breast tissue. This means, whether you are cis or trans, everyone is at risk of breast cancer. Risks are cumulative, and some may be modified.
If you are taking estrogen, this increases your risk.
Even after top surgery, there will still be a tiny bit of breast tissue, which runs the risk of having cancer.
You can protect yourself with these tips:
- 1. Do breast or chest self examination every month- know your normal, see a doctor if you find a new lump, abnormal skin & nipple changes, or nipple discharge.
- 2. Talk to your trusted healthcare provider for recommendations on appropriate screening.
- 3. Find gender-affirming care, where your health concerns are treated with respect, and your partners are accepted as your family.
Follow me for more bite size info on self care!"
See also[]
- Parliamentary debate over Bills to repeal Section 377A and amend Constitution to protect definition of marriage from court challenges
- Section 377A of the Penal Code (Singapore)
References[]
Acknowledgements[]
This article was written by Roy Tan.