Jamie Kernaghan
“My symptoms were like a lot of peoples, there was diarrhoea, just a general feeling of unwell… and on top of that I was pregnant. I could feel sick for a couple of weeks and then I’d be fine for a few months.”
Spot the Signs
Spot the Signs
Neuroendocrine cancer often camouflages itself. Its vague symptoms are commonly mistaken for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), asthma or menopause. Neuroendocrine cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, race or gender.
Common symptoms can include flushing, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fatigue, wheeze or rapid / racing heartbeat.
Because neuroendocrine cancer can be slow-growing, it’s important to speak with your doctor if symptoms persist. Early detection leads to better outcomes. Take a look at the OCP Quick Reference Guide to take with you to the GP.
Neuroendocrine Cancer Symptoms
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your GP.
Flushing
The skin on your face and upper chest feels hot and changes colour.
Wheezing
Asthma-like signs and symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness of breath
Palpitations
A racing heartbeat (palpitations), sometimes combined with dizziness
Diarrhoea
Your bowel motions are regularly urgent, watery, and frequent with no known cause
Fatigue
Overwhelming exhaustion that cannot be overcome with a good night’s rest
Rashes
A red rash with swelling and blisters that often travels from place to place on the skin
Patient Stories
Sandi Smyth
“Being told you have an incurable cancer is a big moment to process… My symptoms were quite acute and they had a very sudden onset. Abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting, sweating.”
Mel Taylor
“They found a tumour about the size of a tennis ball on my pancreas… It’s a shame that it takes a diagnosis like this to change the way people live their life.”
Suzie Nigro
“Looking back, I had lower right pain (in my body) for two years prior… I just knew something didn’t add up”.
Neuroendocrine Cancer Facts
Neuroendocrine cancer is more common than many people realise. These facts highlight the growing impact of neuroendocrine cancer across Australia.
1 Australian is diagnosed with a neuroendocrine cancer every 90 minutes
The average Australian waits over 5 years for a correct diagnosis
Neuroendocrine cancer is Australia’s 7th most commonly diagnosed cancer
5,719
Australians are diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancers each year
31,000+
Australians are currently living with neuroendocrine cancer
1 in 49
Australians have a chance of developing a NET
Helpful Resources
Booklets & Guides
About NETs
Fact Sheets
Flushing – All The Facts
HCP Videos
Neuroendocrine Cancer Symptoms: Full Interview with Dr David Chan
HCP Videos
Neuroendocrine Cancer Symptoms: Full Interview with Dr John Leyden
HCP Videos
Neuroendocrine Cancer Symptoms: Full Interview with Prof Nick Pavlakis
HCP Videos
Neuroendocrine Cancer Symptoms: Specialist interview: Dr Bill Macdonald and Dr David Ransom
HCP Videos
Neuroendocrine Cancer Symptoms: With Dr Gabrielle Cehic AM
HCP Videos
Neuroendocrine Cancer Symptoms: With Meredith Cummins
Courses
Neuroendocrine Tumour Education Course
Booklets & Guides
Neuroendocrine tumours: A guide for healthcare professionals
Spot the Signs FAQs
Schedule an appointment with your GP and take the Optimal Care Pathway – Quick Reference Guide to assist with the diagnosis process. Click here to view and download the quick reference guide.
When considered collectively, neuroendocrine cancer is now classified as a common cancer and is the 7th most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. However, when examined by individual tumour sites, each type of neuroendocrine cancer remains rare. Click here to view other neuroendocrine cancer facts.
Neuroendocrine cancer symptoms may be flushing, wheezing, palpitations, diarrhoea, fatigue and rashes. To learn more about neuroendocrine cancer symptoms click here.
