Canada Marks First Worldwide NET Cancer Awareness Day
Canadians encouraged to sign and share proclamation to build knowledge
TORONTO, Nov. 10 /CNW/ - The Carcinoid NeuroEndocrine Tumour Society of Canada (CNETS Canada) is pleased to announce the first worldwide NET Cancer Awareness Day — part of an international movement to raise awareness among the public, cancer patients and the medical community, about rare cancers called neuroendocrine tumors and the need for timely detection, diagnosis, and access to optimal treatment and care. NeuroEndocrine cancers are now recognized as the most rapidly increasing form of cancer worldwide.
More than 90 per cent of all NET patients are incorrectly diagnosed and initially treated for the wrong disease. Misdiagnoses or delayed diagnoses mean that NET patients are treated on average for five to seven years for the wrong disease; and often the correct diagnosis is not made until the disease has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body.
Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) is the umbrella term for a group of unusual and often slow-growing cancers, which develop from cells in the diffuse endocrine system. They are found most commonly in the lung or gastrointestinal system, but they can also originate in other parts of the body such as the pancreas, ovary, and testes, among other sites. If the tumour is detected and diagnosed early, surgery often offers optimal treatment and potential cure.
"A worldwide awareness day is important because greater knowledge will drive earlier detection and treatment for those living with NET cancers", says Maureen Coleman, President, CNETS Canada. "An increased focus on NET cancers will also bring hope to people living with these types of cancer, their caregivers and families, and education to those who can help make a difference."
CNETS Canada's awareness campaign includes information tables in hospitals across Canada complete with the Worldwide NET Cancer Awareness Day proclamation for visitors to sign, lapel pins, bracelets, basic diagnosis and treatment information. Information about CNETS Canada and how individuals can get involved will also be available.
People around the world are also being encouraged to sign and share the proclamation which was developed by a group of agencies around the world known as the NET Alliance, of which CNETS Canada is a member, to raise awareness of NET cancers among decision makers, health professionals and the general public. The proclamation can be found on the Alliance's website at www.netcancerday.org or on CNETS Canada's website at www.cnetscanada.org.
While there is no routine screening program for NETS, symptoms include but are not limited to flushing, diarrhea, intermittent abdominal pain, wheezing, cough and bloody sputum. Treatment depends on the size and location of tumour, whether it has spread and the patient's overall health. Options include surgery, medical therapy and/or chemotherapy.
"Information is key to improving quality of life and prognosis for NET cancer patients; raising awareness is therefore one of the primary goals," continues Coleman.
About CNETS
CNETS Canada (Carcinoid NeuroEndocrine Tumour Society of Canada) is a charity established in 2008, designed to serve patients and medical professionals by providing high quality resources. Their mission is to build towards a cure for neuroendocrine tumours and cancers through research, education, awareness and support.
To learn more about CNETS Canada, visit the website at www.cnetscanada.org.
For further information:
Maureen Coleman, President
Carcinoid NeuroEndocrine Tumour Society Canada (CNETS Canada)
416-544-8467
416-788-6879
[email protected]
Jim Kormos, Vice President
Carcinoid NeuroEndocrine Tumour Society Canada (CNETS Canada)
416-485-9659
416-996-9659
[email protected]
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