Media Release
Campaign Shines Spotlight on Rare Cancer on November 10th –World NET Cancer Day
Toronto, ON – November 10th, 2016 – Today is World NET Cancer Day. To raise awareness about NET cancer, coffee shops around the world are using special coffee cups designed for the day. The campaign, “Let’s Talk about NETs” was created by the International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance (INCA) to draw attention to this increasingly common, but poorly understood cancer and the need for timely diagnosis and access to proper treatment and care for all NET Cancer patients.
Between 12,000 to 15,000 Canadians are estimated to have this rare type of cancer called NETs, the fastest growing class of cancers worldwide. NETs is a cancer of the neuroendocrine cells where tumours are found most commonly in the lung or gastrointestinal system, but can also originate in the pancreas, as well as other sites. The average time to proper diagnosis for NETs is 5-7 years. Because of the long time to diagnosis, NET cancer is sometimes terminal.
With the help of Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumour Society of Canada (CNETS) Canada, Canadians in locations across the country have the coffee cups in hand at coffee shops, gas stations, retirement homes, drugstores, massage places, university campus coffee places and churches. Drinking their coffee (or tea), they are learning that the symptoms of NETs – including diarrhea, flushing, wheezing, and digestive problems – are similar to more common conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s diseases, asthma or even menopause.
CNETS Canada, established in 2007, is the only Canadian charitable organization supporting the NET cancer patient community. In collaboration with medical and scientific experts, stakeholders and partner associations, CNETS Canada educates, and advocates for Canadians on all aspects of NETs and helps Canadian NET patients seek and obtain personalized diagnostic and therapeutic options.
Jackie Herman, President of CNETS Canada, said, “The ‘Let’s Talk about NETs’ campaign is an engaging way to help raise awareness for this serious and less common form of cancer. The incidence of NETs has increased in Canada from 2.48 to 5.86 per 100,000 per year. Sadly NET cancer kills.”
Herman a NET patient herself has gone through two surgeries to remove tumours from her small bowl and liver and receives ongoing treatment to manage the cancer and its symptoms. “In my case, the disease was diagnosed and treated relatively quickly. However, there are many patients who have not been nearly as lucky as I was,” she says.
For more information about CNETS Canada visit www.cnetscanada.org and for more on World NET Cancer Awareness Day, visit www.netcancerday.org.
For further information, please contact: Jackie Herman, President of CNETS Canada
Cell: 647-281-3556 jackie.herman@cnetscanada.org
