Oncologist Dr. Mary Ondinee Manalo Igot

FAN GIRLING! ❤️

You know that injection I give in the tummy to keep the ovaries "sleeping"—or as many patients say, to make them "menopause"?

That treatment is called ovarian function suppression (OFS), and it became a standard of care because of the landmark SOFT and TEXT trials. These studies showed that, for appropriately selected premenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, suppressing ovarian function can significantly improve outcomes and survival.

Today, I had the privilege of meeting Prof Prudence Francis, one of the lead authors behind these practice-changing trials. It's inspiring to meet the people whose research has made such a real difference in the lives of our patients!

KAPOSI SARCOMA in People Living with HIV (PLHIV)

Kaposi sarcoma is one of the AIDS-defining cancers caused by Human Herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). It commonly appears as purple or reddish skin lesions but can also affect the mouth, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and lymph nodes.

The cornerstone of treatment is effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), which helps restore the immune system and can cause some Kaposi sarcoma lesions to regress.

For patients with extensive skin disease, symptomatic swelling, or involvement of internal organs, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin is considered the preferred first-line systemic chemotherapy because it offers high response rates with a favorable safety profile.

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can make a significant difference. New or unusual skin lesions in a person living with HIV should never be ignored.

Can we finally retire this cancer myth? 😊

You don't have to wait for five years or wait for the first negative scan to call yourself a cancer survivor.

Survivorship begins the moment you're diagnosed.

Whether you're going through chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, living with metastatic cancer, in remission, or NED — you are a survivor.

Yes, reaching five years is a wonderful milestone and absolutely worth celebrating. But it doesn't define when your survivorship begins.

Every day you choose to keep going—that's survivorship.

You don't become a survivor after five years.

You've been one all along!

The best days in Oncology are the ones with smiles, family, and a ringing bell! Congratulations on completing treatment! Wishing you all the best on the road ahead. 💚

🚨 Calling all physicians, trainees, and healthcare professionals!

Stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of cancer care at the Oncology Masterclass: Optimizing Outcomes with Novel Therapies and Precision Diagnostics.

Join us for a full day of expert discussions on the latest advances in targeted therapy, immunotherapy, precision diagnostics, and personalized cancer treatment, delivered by leading oncology specialists.

📍July 27, 2026 (Monday) 🕗 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Conference Facility Unit, Asian Hospital and Medical Center

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, network, and bring cutting-edge oncology knowledge into your practice.

📲 Scan the QR code to register today! Registration is FREE! With PRC, PMA, P*P and PSMO units.

Do you always fear that your cancer will come back? There is a name for this: DAMOCLES SYNDROME.

In Greek mythology, Damocles admired the wealth and power of King Dionysius. To teach him a lesson, the king offered to let Damocles sit on the throne for a day. But above the throne, the king had a sharp sword suspended by a single horsehair.

Although surrounded by luxury, Damocles couldn't enjoy any of it because he was consumed by the fear that the sword might fall at any moment.

This story inspired the term Damocles Syndrome—the persistent fear that cancer may return, even after successful treatment or when there is no evidence of disease.

Many cancer survivors describe living with this invisible "sword":
• Anxiety before every follow-up scan ("scanxiety")
• Worry over every new ache or pain
• Fear that life could change again in an instant

These feelings are common, real, and valid. Acknowledging them is the first step. With support from loved ones, your oncology team, and mental health professionals, many survivors learn to live fully.

Thank you for the giant prawns!!! 🦐
They made a yummy dinner for my family!!!

Six years and counting.

A few days ago, one of my patients shared a few pieces of her pandesal with me. I told her it was so good!!!

Today, she surprised me with a whole box —probably 100 pieces of pandesal! My heart is full. And tummy! ❤️