Doc Willie Ong’s cancer journey: Battling pain, guilt and healthcare disparities

Renowned cardiologist and online health advocate Dr. Willie Ong revealed he was battling sarcoma cancer, surprising his millions of followers.

In a video recorded from his hospital bed, Ong shared that a 16-centimeter mass had been discovered behind his heart, as he began treatment to fight the aggressive disease.

In an interview with Jessica Soho on “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” Ong revealed his 50-50 cancer prognosis. He opened up about his health battle for the first time.

“Fifty percent to live a few more months, a year. Fifty percent, anytime, baka hindi na huminga. Parang walang kasiguraduhan,” Ong said.

[“I was told I had a 50% chance of living a few more months, maybe a year. The other 50% was that I might just stop breathing at any time. There was no certainty.”]

Ong said that the mass was found “deeply hidden” behind his heart and that it has been blocking his esophagus, making it difficult to swallow.

“I got the worst pain. It’s 10 out of 10, Jessica. Buong gabi hindi kami natutulog ni Doc Liza. Sigaw ako nang sigaw. Hihiyaw ka sa sakit talaga.” The pain is so bad that he said he’s OK with taking Dormicum, to “sleep it off and die.”

[“Doc Liza and I couldn’t sleep the whole night. I kept screaming because the pain was unbearable.”]

For the “Doktor ng Bayan,” each day is a blessing, as he no longer worries about the future or material success, saying that he doesn’t focus on acquiring wealth or achieving high positions.

Stark divide in healthcare systems

Ong is receiving cancer treatment in Singapore but admitted feeling guilty about seeking care abroad.

He expressed his frustration with the slow healthcare system in the Philippines, saying that he initially thought he would die within three to four days due to delayed medical processes.

“Sabi ko, if the politicians are coming here, hindi ba kayo naaawa sa kababayan natin? Mayaman ka o mahirap, trapped ka in the Philippines. Palagay ko God’s will ‘to,” Ong said.

[“I said, if the politicians are coming here, don’t you feel sorry for our fellow Filipinos? Whether you’re rich or poor, you’re trapped in the Philippines. I believe this is God’s will.]

According to the health advocate, Singapore has the healthcare advantage that the Philippines lacks.

Within 48 hours, he already had his PET scan, CT scan, 2D Echo, biopsy, and even chemotherapy.

“Sa Pilipinas, I have to wait one to weeks. Mahina ang Pilipinas, kahit Doc Willie Ong, patay ka pa rin. Papaano kung Juan dela Cruz ka? Kaya ako nagi-guilty,” he said.

[“In the Philippines, I have to wait one to two weeks for the results. Even if you’re Doc Willie Ong, you might end up dying because of the poor healthcare system. What more if you’re an ordinary Juan dela Cruz? That’s why I feel guilty.]

Battling a rare kind of enemy

Sarcoma cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in the bones and soft tissues of the body.

This type of cancer develops in the bones and soft tissues of the body, including fat, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, deep skin tissues, and fibrous tissues.

Treatment options for sarcoma typically involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, with recovery depending on various factors such as age, tumor location, and cancer recurrence.

In a video Ong posted, he said that the “bashing” he had been receiving online caused the tumor. Following his revelation about battling cancer, he acknowledged that social media responses had become more positive.

Oncologist Jennifer Mercado clarified that while stress doesn’t directly cause cancer, it can weaken the immune system, urging patients to seek medical attention for lumps before they grow larger.

“Huwag mo nang hihintayin na lumaki nang todo bago mo ipatingin sa doktor,” Mercado said.

[“Don’t wait for it to grow too big before you consult a doctor.”]

“Pero yung mga katulad ng mga bukol na nasa loob, siguro huwag na lang natin balewalain kapag may mga sintomas tayo na katulad ng akala mo lang masakit ang likod mo pero persistent, ibig sabihin tuluy-tuloy, whether pagod ka or hindi, whether stressed ka or hindi, nandiyan,” she added.

[“But for those lumps that that can be found inside of the body, we should not ignore any persistent symptoms. For example, you have a back pain that is always there, let’s not take it lightly.”]

Ong expressed his readiness for whatever his doctors might say. “‘Pag sabihin na walang pag-asa, edi tapos, that’s it, pansit.”

[“If they say there’s no hope, then it’s over, that’s it.”]

As he prepares for a repeat PET scan on October 9, he reflected on his favorite song. “God help the outcasts, children of God. That’s my song,” he said.