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.
