What are the common symptoms of neuroendocrine cancer?

Symptoms can include unexplained weight loss, tiredness, pain, diarrhea, bloating, wind, heartburn, asthma-like symptoms, a flushing rash, and a persistent cough.

How long does it take to get diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer?

On average, diagnosis takes four-and-a-half years, with many patients being referred multiple times before receiving answers.

Home / Health / Invisible Cancer: Years Lost to Misdiagnosis

Invisible Cancer: Years Lost to Misdiagnosis

Q: Why is neuroendocrine cancer diagnosis delayed?

The cancer's symptoms are often misdiagnosed as common conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, or menopause, leading to lengthy diagnostic journeys.

4 Feb

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Summary

Patients wait years, facing multiple referrals before diagnosis.
Rare cancer rates surged significantly compared to others.
Common misdiagnoses include IBS, asthma, or menopause.

Invisible Cancer: Years Lost to Misdiagnosis

Experts are sounding the alarm regarding the delayed diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancer, an 'invisible' illness impacting thousands. Neuroendocrine Cancer UK (NCUK) highlights an urgent need to accelerate diagnosis for this group of cancers originating in hormone-producing nerve and gland cells.

Analysis indicates a staggering 371% rise in neuroendocrine cancer rates in England between 1995 and 2018, far exceeding the increase for other cancers. This often leads to a protracted diagnostic journey, averaging four-and-a-half years, with many patients seeking help over ten times before receiving answers.

Symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, pain, and skin flushing are frequently misattributed to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, or menopause. This delays crucial treatment, allowing the cancer to advance to more severe stages, complicating management and increasing patient suffering.