Personalised treatments designed to fight cancer while minimising side effects.
Pancreatic cancer arises when cells in the pancreas begin to grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumours. The pancreas sits deep in the abdomen, behind the stomach, and has two important functions: producing digestive enzymes to help break down food, and releasing hormones such as insulin to regulate blood sugar.
Because of its location and the lack of obvious early warning signs, pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late. This makes it one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with outcomes closely tied to how early the disease is detected.
Pancreatic cancer is less common than breast, lung, or colorectal cancer, but it remains a serious concern because it accounts for a notable share of cancer deaths.
According to the IARC Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2022) Philippines fact sheet:
Worldwide, pancreatic cancer is known to have low overall survival, largely because many cases are diagnosed when the disease is already advanced.
Early pancreatic cancer may cause no or only vague symptoms. As the disease progresses, patients may notice:
Diagnosis usually involves several steps:
Early and accurate diagnosis is key to determining whether surgery is possible.
While the exact causes remain unclear, certain factors may raise risk:
Protective factors include childbirth, breastfeeding, and use of oral contraceptives, which may lower the risk.
The most common type, accounting for about 90% of cases
Arise from hormone-producing cells, less common but may grow more slowly
Cancer is confined to the pancreas
Cancer spreads to nearby tissues or lymph nodes
Tumour involves major blood vessels or extensive lymph nodes
Cancer spreads (metastasises) to distant organs, most often the liver or lungs
Treatment depends on the stage, location of the tumour, and patient’s overall health:
At OncoCare Philippines, patients may also be offered access to regional clinical trials, which provide opportunities to benefit from new drugs and combination treatments.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with outcomes depending greatly on how early it is detected, the stage of disease, and a patient’s overall health. When surgery is possible, survival rates improve significantly. In advanced cases, treatment often focuses on slowing progression, relieving symptoms, and supporting quality of life.
At OncoCare Philippines, conversations about prognosis are approached with care and clarity. Our specialists take the time to explain what the diagnosis means, outline realistic treatment options, and guide patients and their families in making informed decisions. Every patient is supported with compassion and respect, ensuring their care plan is as individual as their journey.
While pancreatic cancer remains difficult to treat, research and innovation are bringing new possibilities. Advances in surgery, chemotherapy combinations, and targeted therapies are steadily improving outcomes. With ongoing global and regional clinical trials, patients today have access to more options than ever before.
At OncoCare Philippines, our multidisciplinary team includes oncologists specialising in gastrointestinal cancers, hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeons experienced in advanced resections, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists. Supported by oncology nurses, dietitians, psycho-oncology counsellors, and rehabilitation specialists, they work together to deliver a personalised care plan for every patient.
Personalised treatments designed to fight cancer while minimising side effects.
Prostate cancer begins in the prostate gland, a small organ located below the bladder in men that produces seminal fluid. It is one of the most common cancers among men worldwide. Prostate cancer often grows slowly and may not cause symptoms in the early stages, but some types can be aggressive and spread rapidly without timely treatment.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among Filipino men, and the risk generally increases with age.
According to the IARC Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2022):
These figures highlight why awareness, timely consultation for symptoms, and appropriate evaluation are important—especially for older men.
In its early stages, prostate cancer may not show noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but it is important to consult a doctor if they persist.
Doctors may recommend several tests if prostate cancer is suspected:
The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, but several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing it:
Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, which develop from the glandular cells. Less common types include small cell carcinomas, neuroendocrine tumours, and transitional cell carcinomas.
Prostate cancer is staged based on how far it has spread:
Confined to a small part of the prostate
Still within the prostate but may be larger or involve both lobes
Spread beyond the prostate to nearby tissues such as seminal vesicles
Spread to lymph nodes, bones, or other organs
Treatment depends on the stage, overall health, and patient preferences. Options include:
Advances in treatment allow many men to live long lives after prostate cancer diagnosis.
At OncoCare Philippines, our multidisciplinary team includes oncologists specialising in prostate and urological cancers, urologists with expertise in minimally invasive surgery, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and oncology nurses. Together, they provide a comprehensive and personalised treatment plan for every patient.