In 2025, more people than ever before are talking about neuroendocrine cancer, and for good reason. Once considered a rare and misunderstood group of tumours, neuroendocrine cancers (also known as NETs) are now receiving long-overdue attention from researchers, healthcare professionals, and patient advocacy groups.
Driven by increased public awareness, better diagnostic tools, and the tireless efforts of organisations like NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia, NETs are finally being recognised as a complex but manageable disease that demands early detection, personalised care, and long-term support.
What is neuroendocrine cancer?
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) develop from neuroendocrine cells, which exist throughout the body and help regulate essential functions such as digestion, metabolism, and hormone release. These tumours can appear almost anywhere, including the pancreas, small intestine, lungs, and rectum, and can range from very slow-growing to highly aggressive.
Some NETs produce hormones and cause symptoms like flushing, diarrhoea, wheezing, or changes in blood sugar. These are called functional tumours. Others grow silently for years and are only detected when they spread or start pressing on surrounding organs.
Why are NETs gaining more attention in 2025?
While neuroendocrine cancer has always existed, several factors are driving increased awareness in 2025:
1. Rising diagnosis rates
Improvements in imaging techniques such as Gallium-68 DOTATATE PET/CT scans, along with greater clinical awareness, mean that NETs are now being diagnosed more frequently, and earlier. This doesn’t necessarily mean the disease is becoming more common, but it is being picked up more often, including in people who previously would have gone undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
2. Patient advocacy and real stories
Thanks to strong advocacy from patient organisations, celebrities, and individuals sharing their journeys, public understanding of neuroendocrine cancer is evolving. Awareness campaigns like NET Cancer Day and media coverage of notable figures affected by the disease are helping break the stigma around what was previously considered a “rare” cancer.
3. More targeted treatments
In the past, people diagnosed with NETs often had limited treatment options. Now, therapies like somatostatin analogues, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), and targeted drugs such as everolimus and sunitinib are offering real hope for people living with NETs. These advancements are reinforcing the importance of early diagnosis and specialist care.
4. Multidisciplinary care models
NETs require a specialised, multidisciplinary approach, often involving oncologists, endocrinologists, nuclear medicine physicians, gastroenterologists, surgeons, and NET nurse coordinators. In 2025, more cancer centres are embracing this model of care, improving outcomes and quality of life for patients across Australia.
(Image: Importance and rise of multidisciplinary care. Credit: LumiNola/Getty Images Signature)
Challenges remain: the importance of education
Despite progress, neuroendocrine cancer remains poorly understood by many, including some healthcare professionals. Patients frequently report delays in diagnosis, with symptoms often being mistaken as more common conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, or menopause.
For this reason, education and public awareness remain key priorities. Greater knowledge leads to earlier referrals, more timely investigations, and better access to the right care.
How awareness is helping patients
Increased public awareness isn’t just about headlines, it’s about improving lives. People are learning to recognise the signs, advocate for themselves, and connect with specialist services sooner. Resources from organisations like NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia (including the NET Nurse Line, patient support groups, and educational webinars) are helping people navigate the system with greater confidence.
More awareness also supports research. The more people know about NETs, the more likely it is that funding will be directed to clinical trials, genetic studies, and long-term data collection. This research is essential to understanding why NETs develop and how best to treat them in future.
Who is at risk of neuroendocrine cancer?
NETs can affect people of any age, though they are more commonly diagnosed in individuals aged 50 and over. Some are linked to genetic conditions like Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN1) or Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome, while others occur sporadically.
In recent years, researchers have also been exploring possible links between environmental factors, chronic inflammation, and hormone-disrupting chemicals. But these areas require more study before definitive conclusions can be made.
(Image: NETs can affect people of any age. Credit: FatCamera/Getty Images Signature)
Looking ahead: what’s next for NET awareness?
As we move through 2025 and beyond, the future of neuroendocrine cancer care looks promising. Key priorities for the next phase of NET advocacy include:
- Improving GP and community health professional training to recognise NET symptoms earlier.
- Increasing access to NET centres of excellence and specialised diagnostic services.
- Expanding clinical trials and research into new therapies, including immunotherapy and liquid biopsies.
- Providing tailored psychosocial support for patients and families managing this chronic condition.
Spreading the word
If you or someone you know is living with neuroendocrine cancer, know that you’re not alone. Organisations like NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia are here to help. And the more people who understand NETs, the stronger the support system becomes.