Cardiologist and health advocate Doc Willie Ong has revealed that he is undergoing treatment for cancer. Ong, who ran for vice president in the 2022 elections, made the announcement on his social media platforms on Saturday.
In a heartfelt video recorded from his hospital room, Ong shared that doctors discovered a large sarcoma—a 16 x 13 x 12 centimeter tumor—hidden behind his heart and in front of his spine. “It’s one of the largest they’ve ever seen,” he said, describing the tumor as “very rare, aggressive, and very big.”
Ong first noticed symptoms in April 2023, including fatigue and breathing difficulties, but initially dismissed them as signs of aging. By October, he began experiencing severe back pain that radiated up his spine, making it difficult for him to sleep. In August, the pain worsened to an unbearable level, leading to his hospitalization and the subsequent cancer diagnosis.
Despite the gravity of his condition, Ong remains optimistic. “Am I sad? No. I’m lucky that I have my wife and children watching over me. I’m so blessed,” he said, adding that his health journey has brought him closer to his family.
Ong, who has a massive following on social media, is known for sharing health and wellness tips with his 9.7 million YouTube subscribers and 17 million Facebook followers. In addition to his medical practice, Ong served as a consultant for the Department of Health from 2010 to 2014 and holds a Master in Public Health degree from UP Manila.