Education & Resources

Understanding Cancer

Clear, compassionate, plain-language information to help you and your family understand a cancer diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect.

💚 You are not alone. A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. These guides are written to help — not to frighten. We use simple language, and we explain medical terms wherever they appear. Nandito kami para tulungan kayo.

Cancer Information by Type

Select the cancer type that applies to your situation to read a detailed guide.

Cancer Statistics

Here's the global ranking based on GLOBOCAN 2022 data covering nearly 20 million new cases across 185 countries PubMed:

Rank Cancer Type New Cases (2022) % of Total
1 Lung ~2.5 million 12.4%
2 Female Breast ~2.3 million 11.6%
3 Colorectal ~1.9 million 9.6%
4 Prostate ~1.5 million 7.3%
5 Stomach ~970, 000 4.9%
6 Liver — ~4.6%
7 Thyroid — ~3.9%
8 Cervical ~660, 000 ~3.5%
9 Bladder — ~3.1%
10 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma — ~2.8%

Philippines vs. Global — Key Differences

Interestingly, the Philippines diverges from global trends in a notable way. Globally, lung cancertops the list in incidence, but in the Philippines, breast cancerranks #1 while lung cancer is #2. This suggests higher smoking rates and environmental exposure driving lung cancer locally, alongside strong breast cancer prevalence.

Both globally and in the Philippines, lung cancer remains the #1 killer— making it the most critical cancer type for advanced treatment referrals to China, where proton therapy and targeted immunotherapy options are more accessible.

< !-- UNDERSTANDING DIAGNOSIS SECTION -->

Just Diagnosed? Start Here.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is one of the hardest moments in life. It's normal to feel shocked, scared, or confused. Here' s what we recommend you do first:

  • 1Don't rush. Most cancers allow time to gather a second opinion before deciding on treatment.
  • 2Read your pathology report.Ask your doctor to explain it in simple terms. Write down your questions.
  • 3Seek a second opinion.A Chinese oncologist can review your case and offer additional perspectives.
  • 4Bring your family.Cancer treatment is a shared journey. Involve those closest to you.
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Common Terms Explained

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Have Questions We Haven't Answered?

Our coordinators can help clarify any information, or connect you directly with a specialist.