Cancer that Killed Steve Jobs Still Relatively Unknown

Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) Need more Awareness, Education, Research to Prolong Lives

TORONTO, Nov. 10, 2014 /CNW/ - On International Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Day, the Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumour Society of Canada (CNETS Canada), is holding its second annual NET Cancer Awareness Day breakfast, at 7:00 am at the Arta Gallery.

The President, Jackie Herman, a NET patient herself, is addressing the medical community, researchers, government representatives, patients, families and health care providers about the profound lack of awareness and education about this little known or understood, but potentially fatal, disease.

"NETs are the fastest growing class of cancers worldwide, approximately 2 per cent of cancers. In Canada, 12,000 to 15,000 people are estimated to have NETs. Yet people can wait up to seven years from the first doctor's visit with symptoms, for a complete, accurate diagnosis and proper treatment", Herman says. "Why is there such a lack of awareness, and education, about this disease?"

Dr. Shereen Ezzat, Endocrine Oncologist, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, speaks about issues of NETs diagnosis and treatment. "With early and accurate diagnosis, treatment can prolong lives. More education among the medical community about this disease is needed."

Mona Sabharwal, Executive Director, pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (pCODR), a program of the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, speaks about challenges reviewing cancer drugs for public payers across Canada.  "We need to balance clinical, economic, and patient evidence.  That's why it's vital to actively involve physicians and patients with first-hand experience with the type of cancer under review. They ensure physician expertise and patient perspectives on the real-world benefits, risks and quality of life issues factor into every cancer drug funding recommendation."

Dr. Ian McGilvray, an Associate Professor of Surgery at UHN, says, "I see far too many of these patients in my surgery late in disease progression. I know the only way to cure this disease is often with surgery and the sooner the better."

Herman urges oncology research granting agencies to provide additional funds targeted directly for neuroendocrine cancers. "We currently do not receive enough funding to properly understand this disease, let alone to find a cure. We can do much better and patients deserve more."

Image with caption: "Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumour Society (CNETS Canada) Logo (CNW Group/Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumour Society (CNETS Canada))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141110_C7561_PHOTO_EN_7755.jpg

SOURCE: Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumour Society (CNETS Canada)

Louise Binder, 416-457-3179, [email protected]