Dr. Willie Ong during the Commission on Elections’ #PilipinasDebates2022: The Turning Point at the Sofitel Tent in Pasay City on March 20, 2022. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — Cardiologist and vlogger Doc Willie Ong on Monday gave updates on his health status, saying his cancer is now "stable."

In February, Ong, 61, withdrew his candidacy for senator in May's midterm elections to focus on his health.  

He revealed last year that he was undergoing treatment for cancer after doctors found a huge mass in his abdomen.

"Kaibigan, 8 months na ako naka-survive sa stage 4 sarcoma. Sa tulong ni Dr Ang Peng Tiam ng Singapore. Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng nagdarasal sa Diyos para sa akin," he told his 17 million Facebook followers.

"Stable ang cancer ko sa ngayon. Hindi lumalaki pero hindi lumiliit. Sana tuloy-tuloy na huwag na sya lumaki," he added, noting that he is receiving immunotherapy for cancer.

According to cancer.org, stage 4 sarcoma means the cancer "has spread to distant parts of the body."

"Stage IV sarcomas are rarely curable. But some patients may be cured if the main (primary) tumor and all of the areas of cancer spread (metastases) can be removed by surgery," it added.

Ong said: "Walang makasasabi gaano kahaba ang buhay natin. Pero masaya na ako sa 8 months na bigay ng Diyos para makasama ang pamilya at mga followers ko."