Lung Cancer

Personalised treatments designed to fight cancer while minimising side effects.

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer begins when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs, forming a tumour. These cells can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. There are two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for about 80–85% of cases, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which is less common but often more aggressive.

How common is lung cancer in the Philippines?

Lung cancer is a major health concern in the Philippines and remains the leading cause of cancer deaths nationwide. 

According to the IARC Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2022): 

  • Lung cancer is the 2nd most common cancer overall in the Philippines, with an estimated 23,728 new cases in 2022 (about 12.6% of all new cancer cases).
  • It is the #1 cause of cancer deaths, with an estimated 20,953 deaths in 2022.
  • Lung cancer is more common in men (estimated 16,588 cases in men vs 7,140 cases in women in 2022).  

Smoking remains the main risk factor for lung cancer. Other important risk factors include second-hand smoke and air pollution, among others. 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer symptoms can be subtle in early stages. Common warning signs include:

If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor promptly for assessment.

Screening for Lung Cancer

Early detection improves treatment outcomes. High-risk individuals — especially long-term smokers, people with a strong family history, or those exposed to occupational/environmental risks — may benefit from low-dose CT scans for early screening.

How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?

  • Smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes) — the leading cause
  • Second-hand smoke exposure
  • Air pollution and occupational exposure to carcinogens (e.g. asbestos, radon, diesel exhaust)
  • Family history or inherited genetic mutations
  • Previous lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

What are the Types of Lung Cancer?

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma

Less common, grows and spreads faster, usually linked to smoking

What are the Stages of Lung Cancer?

Stage I–II

Localised cancer confined to the lungs

Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or chest structures

Advanced stage, cancer has spread to distant organs
(metastatic lung cancer)

What are Lung Cancer Treatments?

Treatment depends on cancer type, stage, and genetic profile. Options include:

Surgery

Removal of part or all of the affected lung in early-stage disease.

Radiotherapy

Often used in early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma or for localised disease.

Targeted Therapy

Highly effective for patients with mutations in EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS, MET and other genes. These oral medicines often have fewer side effects than chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy

Drugs that boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer, particularly effective in patients with high PD-L1 expression.

Clinical Trials

Access to promising new therapies in development.

Palliative care

Symptom relief and quality-of-life support for advanced cases.

At OncoCare Philippines, our oncologists are experienced in matching patients to precision therapies based on their tumour profile. We integrate advanced diagnostics, international guidelines, and cutting-edge treatments to provide care comparable to leading global cancer centres.

How common is lung cancer in the Philippines?

Lung cancer is a major health concern in the Philippines and remains the leading cause of cancer deaths nationwide. 

According to the IARC Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2022): 

  • Lung cancer is the 2nd most common cancer overall in the Philippines, with an estimated 23,728 new cases in 2022 (about 12.6% of all new cancer cases).
  • It is the #1 cause of cancer deaths, with an estimated 20,953 deaths in 2022.
  • Lung cancer is more common in men (estimated 16,588 cases in men vs 7,140 cases in women in 2022).  

Smoking remains the main risk factor for lung cancer. Other important risk factors include second-hand smoke and air pollution, among others. 

Meet Our Doctors

At OncoCare Philippines, our multidisciplinary team includes oncologists, thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, oncology nurses, and allied health professionals such as nutritionists and counsellors. Together, they deliver comprehensive and personalised care, ensuring every patient receives the best possible treatment plan.

Dr. Angelo Miguel M. Realina
Palliative Care Specialist | Interventional Pain Management Specialist
Dr. Arthur Jason S. Go
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Beverly Ann P. Pineda
Medical Oncologist 
Dr. Carlo Ruperto P. Aguilar
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Carlos Joseph T. Panaligan Jr.
Consultant Anesthesiologist
Dr. Claudine Yvette S. Gulapa
Anesthesiologist
Dr. Gonzalo C. Banuelos, Jr.
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Jason King D. Talao
Medical Oncologist 
Dr. Jerickson Abbie S. Flores
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Joel R. Tayo
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Jose Enrique Y. Montoya
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Karl Jeremy B. Lo
Radiation Oncologist
Dra. Kristine Anne B. Monte
Internal Medicine Specialist
Dr. Marwin M. Manalo
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Misael C. Cruz
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Noel S. Chua
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Paulo S. Tioleco
Medical Oncologist
Dra. Rosalina P. Tongol
Internal Medicine