What Are Silent Cancers?
Silent cancers are types of cancer that develop without obvious symptoms, making them especially dangerous. They often grow undetected for months or even years, only revealing themselves when the disease is already advanced. These cancers are called “silent” not because they’re rare, but because they don’t always announce themselves until it’s too late.
Despite their quiet nature, many silent cancers are treatable—even curable—when caught early. That’s why awareness, regular check-ups, and early screening play such a vital role in beating them.
Examples of silent cancers include:
- Lung cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Breast cancer (in certain forms)
- Colorectal cancer
- Brain tumors
Why Early Detection Matters
When it comes to cancer, time is everything. The earlier a cancer is found, the better the chances of successful treatment.
Early-stage cancer is often smaller, localized, and has not yet spread to other parts of the body. This increases the chances of removing it surgically or treating it effectively through targeted therapies, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Benefits of early detection include:
- Higher survival rates
- More treatment options with lower toxicity
- Less invasive procedures and shorter recovery times
- Reduced healthcare costs
- Improved quality of life for patients and families
Many people assume that if they feel healthy, they are healthy—but silent cancers challenge this belief. That’s why routine health screenings and proactive consultation are vital.
At Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC), our approach combines state-of-the-art diagnostic technology with a multidisciplinary medical team focused on identifying cancer as early as possible.
Lung Cancer: More Than Just a Smoker’s Disease
Lung cancer is often thought to be exclusive to smokers—but that’s a dangerous myth. A growing number of non-smokers are being diagnosed, with causes ranging from secondhand smoke and pollution to genetic mutations and exposure to radon gas.
Early symptoms are often vague, such as:
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain that worsens with deep breaths or coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
CGHMC offers:
- Low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals
- Digital chest imaging
- Pulmonary consultations
- Biopsy and pathology support when needed
The earlier lung cancer is caught, the more likely it is to be treated before spreading to lymph nodes or distant organs.
Pancreatic Cancer: The Classic Silent Killer
Pancreatic cancer is notoriously aggressive and hard to detect in its early stages because it grows deep within the abdomen where tumors can’t easily be seen or felt.
Silent signs may include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Abdominal or back pain
- Bloating or indigestion
- Sudden weight loss
- New-onset diabetes
At CGHMC, we provide:
- Abdominal ultrasound and CT/MRI
- Endoscopic ultrasound for deeper views
- Tumor marker tests (e.g., CA 19-9)
- On-site gastroenterology and oncology services for fast follow-up
Ovarian and Breast Cancer: Early Clues in Your Genes
Breast and ovarian cancers can develop silently in their early stages, particularly in women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.
What are BRCA1 and BRCA2?
These are tumor suppressor genes that normally help repair damaged DNA and prevent abnormal cell growth. When inherited in a mutated form, they significantly increase a person’s lifetime risk of developing cancers, especially breast and ovarian cancers.
- Women with a BRCA1 mutation have a 55%–72% lifetime risk of breast cancer and up to a 44% risk of ovarian cancer.
- Women with a BRCA2 mutation face a 45%–69% risk of breast cancer and around a 17% risk of ovarian cancer.
- Men with BRCA mutations are also at higher risk for breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.
Ovarian cancer early signs may include:
- Abdominal bloating
- Pelvic discomfort
- Changes in bowel habits
Breast cancer early signs:
- Small lumps or skin changes not felt by touch
- Nipple retraction or discharge
- Swelling around the chest or armpits
CGHMC offers:
- Mammography, breast ultrasound, and biopsy
- Transvaginal ultrasound for ovarian assessments
- BRCA genetic testing and counseling
- Robotic-assisted gynecologic procedures for cancer treatment
Women with a family history of these cancers are encouraged to consult early—even before symptoms occur.
Brain and Colorectal Cancers: Small Signs, Big Impact
Brain tumors can start with subtle neurologic symptoms, often dismissed as stress, aging, or fatigue. Similarly, colorectal cancer may begin as harmless-looking polyps that slowly become cancerous.
Brain tumor warning signs:
- Frequent headaches
- Blurred or double vision
- Changes in personality or memory
Colorectal cancer signs:
- Blood in stool
- Unexplained constipation or diarrhea
- Cramping or abdominal pain
CGHMC provides:
- Colonoscopy and fecal immunochemical testing
- Neurologic evaluation and MRI/CT imaging
- On-site pathology for biopsy results
- PET/CT for whole-body cancer mapping
The Role of CGH in Catching Cancer Early
At CGHMC, our commitment to early cancer detection runs deep. We don’t wait for symptoms—we act before they show up.
Our Cancer Institute is equipped with:
- Advanced diagnostics: PET/CT, MRI, ultrasound, digital mammograms
- Endoscopy and biopsy services for same-day diagnosis
- Genetic counseling and BRCA testing for high-risk patients
- Multidisciplinary teams: oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and counselors
- Patient-centered pathways for quick referrals and personalized plans
We know that silent cancers don’t mean silent care. At CGHMC, we are constantly investing in the tools, training, and technologies that give our patients a fighting chance—because catching cancer early means changing the outcome.
Take Action Today
Schedule your screening by calling (02) 8711 4141
Explore our cancer services: https://cghmc.com.ph/health-service/cancer-institute/
Silent doesn’t mean invisible. Let’s find it early—and beat it together.
