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Neuroendocrine Cancers Often Go Undetected for Years, With Cases Rising, Charity Warns

Average diagnosis takes about 4.5 years, leaving more than half of patients first identified at an advanced stage.

Overview

  • Neuroendocrine Cancer UK published new analysis highlighting prolonged diagnostic delays and urging faster pathways.
  • Almost half of patients are not diagnosed at their first referral, and 16% return more than 10 times before receiving answers.
  • Clinicians report that late detection reduces treatment options and increases physical and emotional harm.
  • Recorded rates rose 371% between 1995 and 2018, with more than 6,000 people affected each year in England.
  • Symptoms vary widely and are frequently misattributed to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, asthma or menopause, according to experts and patient accounts.