As part of National Cancer Day in the Philippines, here is the unique cancer story of Shunsuke Miyatake, or Take-san, whose life was changed by a rare form of cancer.
Discovering the Unexpected
Shunsuke Miyatake, a Japanese national based in Cambodia, learned in August 2024 that he had testicular cancer. Until then, he had lived fairly regularly, balancing work and personal projects, enjoying photography, and playing football twice a week. The news came as a shock, especially considering testicular cancer accounts for only 1% of cancer in men.
Miyatake is among the estimated 2.3 million people diagnosed with cancer in Southeast Asia. The most frequently reported cases are breast, cervix, and lung cancer.
In the last few years, the region’s policymakers have taken many steps towards educating the public about cancer and providing support for patients. These include the Philippines’ National Integrated Cancer Control Act of 2019, which seeks to create comprehensive cancer centers across the country; Malaysia’s Beat Prostate Cancer campaign; and Thailand’s “Cancer Anywhere” project which ensures patients receive access to treatment.
Despite this, cancer remains a widespread and burdensome disease, often catching patients like Miyatake by surprise.
Battling Through Testicular Cancer
Going through the gamut of shock, sadness, anger, and determination is natural. Miyatake’s initial response was to learn as much as he could about his condition – testicular cancer stage 2B. He went for treatment in Cambodia, working with various doctors, undergoing surgery, and multiple rounds of chemotherapy.
Miyatake faced challenges like adjusting his diet, finding attentive doctors willing to listen to his concerns, and deciding whether to continue treatment in Cambodia or abroad.
For someone who enjoys expressing himself creatively, it was natural for him to gravitate towards sharing his experience with a broad audience online through videos and social media posts His approach is straightforward – yes, he was going through a life-altering experience, but if he can still find encouragement in what he can do for himself and in the people around him, he will continue to share this verve and hope with others.
United by Unique at World Cancer Day
While cancer is a journey many people will go through, each experience is unique. World Cancer Day, spearheaded by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), acknowledges the many factors, feelings and choices that make up a patient’s solo journey.
With the theme “United by Unique”, the 2025-2027 campaign spotlights people’s stories – not just statistics. It promotes “people-centred care”, highlighting the need for patients to actively participate in the decisions made about their care. It further pushes for connection within one’s social ties outside the clinical setting. Families and communities are essential to the well-being of the cancer patient, meaning engagement with them is crucial.
In the Philippines, February sees various events promoting cancer prevention and treatment advocacy, held by the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO) and the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS).
Sharing is Caring
Miyatake recalls how the act of showing care was essential for him as he came to terms with his diagnosis and underwent treatment.
“So many messages came literally from all over the world,” he says. “I read all these amazing messages with gratitude.”
Every single bit of encouragement he received from family and friends carried him forward, from short messages online to invitations for events, a packed lunch box, and even a knitted Moo Deng doll. Small acts of caring are powerful and influential.
“Praying is good, wishing someone well is good, and pushing the ‘like’ button is also good, but they will not work if they are not received,” he says, encouraging people not to hesitate to show others that they care. “Nobody hates your caring.”
It is also essential for him to be able to reach out to others, especially, those who, like him, are undergoing this unique experience.
“If a friend or someone I know is suffering, I will send “care” to them immediately. And I will be more conscious about this than before.”
Moving Forward With Strength
Nowadays, Miyatake is doing much better. After surgery and four rounds of chemotherapy, a CT Scan in December 2024 showed no signs of cancer in the testicles and lymph nodes. But he knows that the story does not end there. He and his medical team need to continue monitoring his tumour markers.
Alongside following a healthier diet, he continues to manage the side effects of his treatment, such as losing the feeling in his fingertips, and experiencing consistent leg pain. However his hair and beard are slowly growing back, and his work and social life are returning to what they were before the diagnosis. He also has the strength to jump into the occasional football game.
“Testicular cancer is curable,” he says. “But throughout my experience, I was thinking about death. After experiencing severe sickness, I feel grateful to everyone around me. At the same time, I feel I have to live to the fullest in every single moment. We only live once, so I don’t have any time to waste in contributing to the happiness of others and enjoying many meaningful moments.”
The Power of Connection
There are many ways you can participate in World Cancer Day. You may post about your own personal experiences on social media, or help share posts highlighting the situation of cancer patients and their families. Fundraising activities also help bear the burden of long-term management of this disease.
The likelihood is high that you or someone you know has experienced struggling with cancer, as a patient, carer, or even as an observer. As in Miyatake’s case, the important thing is to create connections, and keep the conversation going.
This World Cancer Day, share your story, support others, and spark meaningful conversations to make a difference.
