The cost of delay: How late diagnosis is fueling lung cancer deaths

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December 9, 2025 | 12:00am

Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the Philippines, killing over 20,000 people in 2022 alone. Many of these deaths could have been prevented with earlier diagnosis or access to treatment — but delays, misdiagnoses, and high out-of-pocket costs leave patients with little chance.

Like many Filipino families, mine has felt the impact of this disease. My father died of lung cancer in 2024, a loss that continues to underscore how vital early detection and timely treatment are.

To address these challenges, MSD recently hosted a roundtable, “Multidisciplinary Care in Action: Bridging the Gap in Lung Cancer,” bringing together doctors, patient advocates, and health experts. The conversation highlighted the need for coordinated care and renewed calls for a dedicated PhilHealth lung cancer benefit package — something breast cancer already has, but lung cancer does not. “If we have a package, it should include early detection, not just treatment after diagnosis,” said Dr. Antonio B. Ramos, thoracic and vascular surgeon and president of the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute. “By the time most patients are diagnosed, it’s already too late. Early detection saves lives and reduces the financial burden on families.”

A growing threat

“Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in Asia,” said Dr. Soon Sing Yang, cardiothoracic surgeon at the Sarawak Heart Center in Malaysia. “It is expected to cause more than a million deaths a year. Most patients are diagnosed late, so catching it early is critical.”

In the Philippines, about 23,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. Around 20 percent of those who die of lung cancer are non-smokers, according to Emer Rojas, a cancer survivor and president of the Lung Health Alliance of the Philippines (LungHAP).

Environmental factors, indoor air pollution, and genetics play a major role. Rojas warned that stigma keeps non-smokers from getting screened. “Many believe lung cancer only happens to smokers,” he said. “This misconception can prevent people from seeking checkups until it’s too late.”

Dr. Ramos added that early-stage lung cancer often shows no symptoms. By the time something is noticeable, “it’s usually advanced.”

Many patients are treated repeatedly for coughs, chest infections, or suspected tuberculosis before getting proper imaging, contributing to poor survival rates.

“When caught in stage 1, cure rates are in the high 80s percent. Stage 4? Almost zero,” Dr. Soon said. He highlighted the potential of AI-assisted chest X-rays to identify suspicious lesions earlier, especially in areas with limited medical resources.

Modern treatments, limited access

Innovative therapies like immunotherapy can significantly improve outcomes, but they remain out of reach for many Filipinos due to cost.

“There is no doubt these treatments make a huge difference,” said Dr. Soon.

Dr. Ramos added that combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy before surgery has improved response rates, but without government-backed access programs, most patients cannot benefit.

Both doctors advocated for multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), which can streamline diagnosis and treatment. In the Philippines, patients often spend weeks moving between specialists — time that allows cancer to progress. MDTs can make decisions “in one sitting,” shortening delays.

A call for action

Rojas said lung cancer is a regional problem that demands coordinated policy solutions. LungHAP plans to launch a Philippine Declaration on Lung Cancer, calling for expanded screening, AI-supported imaging, and a dedicated PhilHealth package. Dr. Ramos urged the public and media to help raise awareness. “Stories shape understanding and influence decisions. Every Filipino deserves better outcomes.”

Lung cancer deaths are largely preventable with early detection, modern treatments, and coordinated care — but without urgent policy action, thousands of Filipinos will continue to pay the ultimate price.