November 10 is recognized as World Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) Cancer Day, a time to spread awareness about neuroendocrine tumors, a group of rare cancers, among the medical field and in the general public. There are several different types of neuroendocrine tumors. Examples include gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETS), which can appear along the digestive tract. The International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance is organizing for this year’s awareness day. Keep reading to learn more about how you can get involved.
How to Play Your Part
This year’s campaign theme is “Easily Missed,” which is in reference to the fact that many of the symptoms of NET cancers are confused with more common diseases, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. You can help boost World NET Cancer Day by sharing and post campaign messages on social media. Make sure to use the hashtags #NETCancerDay and #LetsTalkAboutNETs in your posts.
Follow this link for campaign toolkits, messaging, custom social media posters, patient stories, and messaging for healthcare providers.
About Neuroendocrine Tumors
Neuroendocrine tumors are atypical growths of tissue that usually originate in the cells of either the nervous system or the endocrine system, the latter of which plays a major role in the circulation of various hormones. While many of these tumors are benign, some may become cancerous. The cause of these tumors is not understood, but their appearance can be a part of a number of heritable conditions, such as tuberous sclerosis and neurofibromatosis. They most commonly appear in the intestine, pancreas, or lungs. Despite the many different variants of neuroendocrine tumors, they share a similar appearance, produce biogenic amines and hormones, and have secretory granules. These tumors do not have universal symptoms and they generally vary depending on where they appear. There are a variety of therapies that may be attempted to treat neuroendocrine tumors. These include surgery, chemotherapy, certain targeted therapies, radionuclide therapy, and cryoablation, just to name a few. To learn more about neuroendocrine tumors, click here.
About Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (GEP-NETS)
GEP-NETS are neuroendocrine tumors affecting the stomach, thymus, pancreas, proximal duodenum, bronchus, and lung. They are also classified into foregut, midgut, and hindgut tumors, depending on location. Midgut tumors can affect the appendix and transverse colon. Symptoms can include asthma, flushing, diarrhea, heart palpitations, congestive heart failure, abdominal cramps, and peripheral edema (swelling). Click here to learn more.
