Recognising and Diagnosing Neuroendocrine Cancer
Recognising Neuroendocrine Cancer in Practice
Recognising neuroendocrine cancer in everyday practice is crucial for improving early detection. Increasing awareness among healthcare professionals can help shorten the time to diagnosis, which is often delayed because symptoms are vague or mimic other conditions. General practitioners should remain alert to the possibility of neuroendocrine cancer when individuals present with a combination of symptoms or ongoing presentation of symptoms despite medical intervention.
Neuroendocrine Cancer Symptoms
The following signs and symptoms should be investigated
Flushing
The skin on the 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
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
If you don't suspect it - you wont detect it
For additional information and guidance on identifying and diagnosing neuroendocrine cancer, refer to the Optimal Care Pathway (OCP) for people with Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs). This OCP is designed for health professionals and health services to provide optimal care and support to patients with neuroendocrine cancer, their families and carers, offering detailed information on best practice across all stages of care.
Quick reference guide for health professionals (including General Practitioners) – Provides a summary of the Optimal Care Pathway for health professionals and healthcare services, including recommended timeframes for completing tests or procedures, referral pathways, as well as checklists and key indicators aligned with the pathway’s recommendations.
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 Tumour 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 tumours each year
31,000+
Australians are currently
living with neuroendocrine cancer
1 in 49
Australians have a
chance of developing
a NET
Health Professionals driving the future of neuroendocrine cancer
Gain valuable insights into neuroendocrine cancers (NETs) from esteemed Australian experts, and remember that neuroendocrine cancer often camouflages itself, so always consider the grey areas and investigate for NETs.