A sigh of relief: CyberKnife now available

Transforming lung cancer treatment in the Philippines

- By DR. ENRICO TANGCO

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the country, making it also the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths.

It can happen to both males and females but it’s the most frequently observed in men. The disease happens when cells in the lungs grow out of control, which can spread to lymph nodes or other body parts like the brain. While smoking is considered the primary risk, other factors—both genetic and environmental—contribute to its occurrence.

Diagnosis and treatment

Unfortunately, sufferers may be asymptomatic, often leading to diagnoses only happening at an advanced stage. This makes routine checks important to ensure early detection for proper treatment and timely intervention. When presenting symptoms, lung cancer can show us coughing that doesn’t go away or gets worse, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing up blood, fatigue, or weight loss without a known cause. Recurring pneumonia and swollen or enlarged lymph nodes in the chest area may also be indicators, warranting several tests to confirm diagnosis.