In a press release, CURE Media Group announced the development of a 13-part series on carcinoid syndrome. A series of discussions involving both doctors and patients educating patients, caregivers and healthcare providers about the rare disease.
Carcinoid syndrome is a cancer of the neuroendocrine system. There are fewer than 20,000 cases per year in the U.S. The neuroendocrine cells make hormones used by the nerves. Sometimes abnormal growth of a cell causes it to become a tumor. A neuroendocrine tumor, or NET, results, when the tumor has grown within an organ or spread to other neuroendocrine system organs.
Carcinoid syndrome is directly related to the growth of NET in the neuroendocrine system and the resulting increase in serotonin in the body. Serotonin is most noted for its effects on mood and its role in digestion; however, too much serotonin in the body leads to the development of carcinoid syndrome.
The video series on carcinoid syndrome is available on Cure Media Group’s video platform for sharing cancer stories and information, CURE Connections®. Throughout the 13 parts, the program uses health care providers, a patient, and a former patient turned advocate to discuss ways of managing the disease and the especially the impacts felt day-to-day by the patient.
“a lot of patients are scared, but I always tell the patients that they need to ask questions. The doctors might not know everything. Try to get as much material as possible and bring the information to them.”
— Maryann Wahmann, founder of the Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network
The video series starts with Episode One entitled “Carcinoid Tumor Signs.” The other 12 titles are: Carcinoid Syndrome as a Chronic Disease, Understanding Carcinoid Tumor Behavior, Severe Diarrhea in Carcinoid Syndrome, Treatment for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Maryann: From Patient to Advocate, Neuroendocrine Tumors: Hereditary Risk, Support and Resources for Patients, Neuroendocrine Tumors: Expert Care, Follow-Up Care for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Carcinoid Syndrome: Symptom Triggers and Awareness and Neuroendocrine Tumors. Click here to view the entire Carcinoid Syndrome Episodes on CURE Connections®.
