Neuroendocrine 'invisible' cancer patients are waiting years for diagnosis

A charity says people with neuroendocrine (so-called 'invisible') cancers face long delays to diagnosis, averaging about four-and-a-half years, and more than half are diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Patients with neuroendocrine cancer are reporting lengthy delays before receiving a diagnosis, a charity has warned. Neuroendocrine cancers arise in nerve and hormone-producing gland cells and can appear in the stomach, bowel, pancreas or lungs. Neuroendocrine Cancer UK (NCUK) says diagnosis takes on average about four-and-a-half years and that recorded rates have risen substantially since 1995. The charity also reports many patients are not diagnosed at first referral and that more than half are found at an advanced stage. What the charity reported: - Diagnosis averages around 4.5 years, with almost half of patients not diagnosed at the first referral and 16% returning more than 10 times before answers. - NCUK analysis indicates a 371% rise in recorded cases between 1995 and 2018, higher than the rise seen for most other cancers in that period. - Symptoms can be diverse and are commonly misattributed to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, asthma or menopause. - The charity says delays and inconsistent care can allow the disease to progress and increase both physical and emotional harm. Summary: The charity warns that long diagnostic delays reduce clinical options and increase the toll on people living with neuroendocrine cancer. Neuroendocrine Cancer UK is calling for faster diagnosis and improved access to treatment. Undetermined at this time.