When it comes to health, blood in your stool or lumps in your breast are well-known red flags that prompt a visit to your general practitioner, as they can be indicative of cancer. However, not all cancers are as easily identifiable. Some, like rare neuroendocrine cancers, can slip under the radar due to their symptoms mimicking more common health conditions. According to Neuroendocrine Cancer UK (NCUK), this often results in patients being misdiagnosed.

Alarmingly, there are instances where general practitioners are unfamiliar with neuroendocrine cancer, meaning it isn’t even on their radar when assessing a patient. In an effort to combat misdiagnosis, NCUK has developed a checklist of symptoms that patients can bring to their doctor appointments. This tool empowers individuals to say, “I have these symptoms; could it be neuroendocrine cancer?”

The aim of the checklist is to facilitate earlier referrals to specialists, potentially leading to quicker diagnoses and treatment for patients.

Lisa Walker, the chief executive of NCUK, underscores the urgency of this initiative, explaining, “Neuroendocrine cancer is frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked, with an average wait of four-and-a-half years for a diagnosis.”

Walker expresses her enthusiasm about the checklist’s potential impact, stating, “This symptom checker is a powerful tool for individuals to trust their instincts and engage in meaningful conversations with their healthcare providers.”

“Nobody knows your body better than you do,” she continues. “By fostering earlier and more informed discussions, we hope to see more people being referred for necessary investigations when their symptoms warrant it.”

“Earlier diagnosis can be life-changing, and this tool is about empowering people to take that first step.”

Possible digestive and abdominal symptoms are:

New onset symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in people aged 50+.

Persistent bloating or wind.

Gastric disorders including heartburn.

Abdominal pain, discomfort or cramping.

Altered bowel habits – diarrhoea/ constipation/ fatty stools (steatorrhoea)

Possible respiratory symptoms are:

Unexplained wheeze or shortness of breath.

Possible hormonal and flushing symptoms are:

Skin redness without sweating (dry flushing)

High/ low blood sugar (hyper/ hypoglycaemia).

Possible other symptoms are:

Anxiety and low mood symptoms.

Unintentional weight loss.