The Health Policy Partnership and Neuroendocrine Cancer UK publish a new care pathway for England
11 May 2023
The Health Policy Partnership and Neuroendocrine Cancer UK have joined forces with 11 leading experts and patients to publish a patient care pathway for people with neuroendocrine cancers in England, to address barriers to diagnosis, treatment and quality care.
The new pathway is the first dedicated care pathway for people living with neuroendocrine cancers (medically known as neuroendocrine neoplasms or NENs) in England. It provides a clear patient journey from the point of suspicion to follow-up care. The full report also includes recommendations for policymakers, NHS leaders and healthcare professionals to ensure people living with NENs receive equitable, high-quality care.
The care pathway aims to join existing dots within the NHS to provide a clear patient journey for people with NENs and those delivering care. It highlights the resources and services that are available, but which many people with NENs may not have access to or be aware of. Despite NENs being the tenth most prevalent type of cancer in England, until now there has not been a consensus-driven care pathway.
People living with NENs currently experience inequities in diagnosis, disease management and care due to a lack of understanding of the condition. Owing to the complexity of the disease, both diagnosis and treatment in the England are often sub-optimal, which causes major challenges for people seeking care.
NENs originate from neuroendocrine cells, which help regulate and control our bodies, including the digestive, respiratory, or reproductive systems. The symptoms of NENs can vary from person to person and will depend on the area of the body affected, alongside other factors.