Discover Top Cancer Doctors in the Philippines

The type of doctor that specializes in cancer treatment are called oncologists. They’re in charge of diagnosing and treating cancer, regarded as experts in the field of oncology. As they’re focused on studying about the stages of cancer, its diagnosis, and how they’re treated, they’ll know what is the best clinical approach for your condition.

Cancer doctors in the Philippines can be further categorized into medical oncologists (for chemotherapy and immunotherapy), surgical oncologists (for cancer surgery), and radiation oncologists (for radiation therapy).

It is generally recommended that a patient gets a referral from their primary care physician (PCP) to see an oncologist, often after a series of tests that may point to having cancer, though this is not strictly required. You may see and have a consultation with an oncologist directly, especially if your current health condition is more complex or urgent.

In public hospitals, it’s said that you may admittedly have less control of which cancer doctor can be in charge of your case. This is because the structure of public hospitals when it comes to cancer care includes being assigned to a team or department rather than one oncologist. However, you can still have the freedom to express your preferences and needs to further make your oncology treatments better overall.

Yes, there are pediatric oncologists in the Philippines. These are cancer doctors who focus on the treatment of childhood cancer, or those cancers that are diagnosed in patients who are aged 19 and below. Hospitals like the Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC) and the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) are particularly considered to be the best hospitals for this area of care.

It is typically recommended that you first see a primary care physician or a gynecologist if you suspect that you have breast cancer. After they conduct a series of diagnostic tests to determine whether you have the disease or not, you may be referred to a breast cancer doctor or a medical oncologist to take over your case. They’ll be the ones who’ll come up with the next steps moving forward on how your treatment plan will go.

You’ll most likely be asked to see both a pulmonologist and an oncologist if you’re suspected or already diagnosed with lung cancer. Lung cancer specialists in the Philippines can cover the early detection of the mentioned disease, as well as the intervention of other respiratory issues that are also linked to cancer.

Yes, oncologists in the Philippines do offer second opinions. There are hospitals who partner with cancer centers in order to garner second opinions for the cases of their patients, ensuring that these patients would get more information about their condition and the disease they have, as well as being enlightened about possible treatment alternatives they may opt for during a comprehensive cancer specialist consultation.

Yes, HMOs in the Philippines typically cover oncologist consultations. Most HMOs are able to provide coverage for any regular consultations with medical specialists, and may even cover laboratory and screening tests for a cancer diagnosis. In addition, medical coverages in regards to cancer may go as far as financially assisting surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other oncology treatments within a limit.

It’s important to remember that this still may not be applicable to some HMOs and that you may refer to reading through your HMOs policies to be sure and informed on what medical services they cover on your plan.

You’ll know if an oncologist is the right fit for you through a number of factors. Aside from taking into consideration how long they’ve been in the field and how many cases similar to yours they have handled, it’s also significant to have an oncologist who communicates well, who understands you and your concerns, and knows how to communicate information about your treatment in a precise and patient manner, showing empathy at times you may need it whenever you book an appointment with the cancer doctor. All these parameters can help you determine whether an oncologist would be good for you.

Yes, patients have the liberty and right to switch chemotherapy doctors in the Philippines even during treatment. However, in doing so, you’d have to understand the risks that may come alongside changing doctors as you’re undergoing your treatments, such as possibly delaying your sessions, increasing your expenses, having to get to know again and be comfortable with a new oncologist, and ensuring that all your medical information and plans get handed over properly.

Yes, cancer doctors in the Philippines — regardless if they’re employed in government hospitals or private hospitals — all have the same qualifications, as all would have gone through the required education and training to become an oncologist. This includes undergoing internal medicine residency training and subsequently passing the certifying examinations of the Philippine Specialty Board of Internal Medicine. They would have to meet those standards before government or private medical institutions even consider hiring them.

If you’re looking for a cancer doctor to be with you throughout your cancer care journey, you may refer to our provided list that shows various types of cancer doctors that can cater to your needs (e.g. breast cancer doctors, cancer surgery doctors, etc.). Indicated in our list are the clinics and hospitals that these chemotherapy doctors in the Philippines work in, as well as its exact address that includes the city and region for you to easily determine if they’re near your location.

Should you need any help in finding a cancer specialist, you may reach out to Getmeds Philippines Inc. through our contact number +639190769105 or email info@getmeds.ph, and we’ll happily assist you in connecting and booking an appointment with the cancer doctor that is nearest to you for a consultation.

Yes, you can do a cancer specialist consultation online. There are several cancer specialists who are open in doing their consultations through platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and others — especially for patients or family of the patient who are unable to meet with a cancer doctor onsite in their respective hospitals due to personal reasons.

If you wish to book an appointment with a cancer doctor that does online consultations, Getmeds Philippines Inc. can help you in connecting with the right cancer treatment doctor who can answer or address any questions you might have regarding your condition. You may reach out to us through our number +639190769105 or email info@getmeds.ph.