Personalised treatments designed to fight cancer while minimising side effects.
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, begins when malignant (cancerous) cells form in the inner lining of the stomach. Over time, these cells can grow into a tumour and spread deeper into the stomach wall and to nearby organs. Most stomach cancers develop from the glandular cells of the stomach lining, and are called adenocarcinomas.
Stomach cancer (gastric cancer) is less common than the Philippines’ top cancers (such as breast, lung, colorectal, and liver cancer), but it still contributes to a meaningful number of cancer deaths nationwide.
According to the IARC Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2022):
Because early symptoms can be non-specific, timely medical evaluation is important if symptoms persist or worsen.
Early stages of stomach cancer may not cause clear symptoms, which makes detection difficult. As the disease progresses, patients may experience:
Unlike breast or colorectal cancer, there is currently no national screening programme for stomach cancer in Philippines. However, early detection is possible through gastroscopy (endoscopy), particularly for people at higher risk, such as those with:
For high-risk individuals, regular monitoring and early medical consultation are recommended. Detecting stomach cancer early offers the best chance for successful treatment.
A thin tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to view the stomach lining and take biopsies
Tissue samples are examined under a microscope to confirm cancer
CT scans, PET scans, and ultrasounds help assess the extent of the disease
To check overall health and detect tumour markers
Several factors increase the risk of developing stomach cancer:
The main type is adenocarcinoma, which makes up more than 90% of cases. Other rarer types include:
Cancer of the immune system cells in the stomach wall
Cancers of the connective tissue
Slow-growing cancers arising from hormone-producing cells
Staging describes how far the cancer has spread:
Cancer is limited to the stomach lining or wall
Cancer has grown deeper into the stomach wall and may involve nearby lymph nodes
Cancer has spread to distant organs (such as the liver, lungs, or bones)
Treatment depends on the stage, type, and overall health of the patient. At OncoCare Philippines, options include:
At OncoCare Philippines, our multidisciplinary team brings together oncologists specialising in stomach and gastrointestinal cancers, upper GI surgeons skilled in minimally invasive procedures, radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists, supported by oncology nurses, dietitians, psycho-oncology counsellors and physiotherapists — working together to deliver comprehensive, personalised care for every patient.
Personalised treatments designed to fight cancer while minimising side effects.
Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably, often due to damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide and includes different types such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. While some forms are less aggressive, others like melanoma can spread quickly if not detected and treated early.
Skin cancer is less common in the Philippines than in many Western countries, but it still occurs and can be serious—especially when detected late. Based on IARC Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) (GLOBOCAN 2022) estimates, the Philippines had about 508 new cases of melanoma (skin cancer) and around 299 deaths in 2022.
However, non-melanoma skin cancers (such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) are often under-counted in national estimates and may not be fully captured in standard cancer statistics. Local reports help show the broader picture: the Philippine Dermatological Society documented 2,102 basal cell carcinoma cases and 614 squamous cell carcinoma cases from 2011–2021, noting likely underestimation without a complete national registry view. The Department of Health (Philippines) also cited over 2,700 Filipinos diagnosed with skin cancer from 2011–2021.
Early detection and prevention (sun protection and checking new or changing skin lesions) remain key—particularly for people with high sun exposure.
Skin cancer can present in many ways, but common warning signs include:
Diagnosis usually involves:
The main cause of skin cancer is prolonged exposure to UV radiation, either from the sun or tanning devices. Risk factors include:
The most common but usually slow-growing and less likely to spread
Can grow deeper and spread if untreated
The most dangerous form, arising from pigment-producing cells (melanocytes), with high potential to spread to other organs
Merkel cell carcinoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and others
Skin cancer staging depends on tumour size, depth of invasion, lymph node involvement, and spread to other organs.
Localised, often curable with surgery
May involve deeper skin layers or nearby lymph nodes
Cancer has spread (metastasised) to distant organs
Treatment depends on the type, size, and stage of cancer:
At OncoCare Philippines, treatment decisions are personalised, taking into account medical evidence, cosmetic outcomes, and patient needs.
At OncoCare Philippines, our multidisciplinary team includes oncologists, dermatologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists with expertise in managing skin cancers, including rare and advanced cases. Specialised oncology nurses, physiotherapists, and psycho-oncology counsellors provide holistic support throughout treatment. Together, we deliver a comprehensive and personalised treatment plan for every patient.