Report for the Canadian Neuroendocrine Tumour Society, by Majd Ghadban, November 27, 2020

Introduction

1.3 What are we trying to do?

One of the biggest problems affecting NET patients is the frequent delay in reaching a diagnosis. This is currently believed to happen because NET symptoms are not very specific, and the disease is perceived to be rare [17], [30]. In fact, the delay is often substantial: A recent international survey has shown that the mean reported delay time from first symptom to confirmed diagnosis was 52 months – or just over 4 years – but can be as long as 9 years [17], [18]. This has severe consequences, leading to increased suffering for patients, and putting a pressure on our health care system [17] The aim of this project is to determine why these long delays occur in the diagnosis of Neuroendocrine tumours by determining where in their diagnostic journeys do patients face the delay and identifying the factors that lead to diagnostic delays.

Research Questions:

FULL REPORT:
Improving the time-to-diagnosis for Neuroendocrine Tumours – Capstone Final Report – Majd Ghadban – Nov 27