Support for people with Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs)

Neuroendocrine Cancers, more commonly known as NETs, are a less common, complex group of tumours that develop predominantly in the digestive tract (small bowel, pancreas, large bowel) but can occur in other areas of the body such as the lungs.

Neuroendocrine cells are found throughout the body and are responsible for producing hormones and peptides (proteins) that allow for normal bodily functions. Like all cancers, NETs develop when these cells grow and divide uncontrollably.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a neuroendocrine tumour may be made following a biopsy or a surgical procedure. This tissue will be sent to a pathologist to review and provide a written report on their findings. You may require further investigation with radiological tests.

Treatment

Patients can be treated at most public hospitals in WA. Treatment is often provided across multiple departments and specialities and can include medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, endocrinology, nuclear medicine and interventional radiology.

Helping you along your cancer journey

The Neuroendocrine Tumours Cancer Nurse Coordination Service supports patients with advanced progressive NETs who are having their treatment in the public hospital system and is a free service aimed at supporting patients and their family through diagnosis and treatment.

This service can provide the following:

• provide and explain information on your diagnosis and treatment.
• refer you to other health care professionals where and when appropriate. For example, social work, dietician, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and psychosocial services.
• coordinate your care, appointments and treatment.
• a point of contact

Other useful contacts

Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (general enquiries)
Tel: (08) 6457 3333

Fiona Stanley Hospital (general enquiries)
Tel: (08) 6152 2222

Royal Perth Hospital (general enquiries)
Tel: (08) 9224 2244

Cancer Council WA
Tel: 13 11 20
Provides counselling, complementary therapies, support groups and programs, advice, information and resources.

WA Psycho-Oncology Service
Tel: (08) 6457 1177
A clinical psychology service that offers a confidential, free counselling service to patients and families living with cancer.

SolarisCare
Tel: (08) 6383 3475
Provides counselling and complementary therapies for cancer patients and their families.

Useful websites

Cancer Council WA
Web: www.cancerwa.asn.au

NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia
Web: Neuroendocrine.org.au