Neuroendocrine Cancer
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is proud to host the South Wales Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) Service, a European centre of excellence. The service collaborates with Swansea Bay University Health Board and Velindre Cancer Centre to offer dedicated care to people in South Wales diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer.
Neuroendocrine Cancer in South Wales
The South Wales NET Service serves individuals diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer across the South Wales Health Boards, including Cardiff and Vale, Aneurin Bevan, Swansea Bay, Cwm Taf Morgannwg, Hywel Dda, and Powys.
Neuroendocrine cancers, although uncommon, are seeing an increased prevalence. Due to their complexity and diversity, they demand specialised and personalised care. These cancers typically grow slowly (NETs), with the majority originating in the gastrointestinal tract. Some can be aggressive, known as neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs).
When a patient is referred to the service, expert advice is provided to local clinical teams. After deliberations at the South Wales multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting in Cardiff, patients might receive specialised care from different teams, including centralised gastroenterology, endocrinology, oncology, and surgery, in combination with local health board teams.
The service offers a comprehensive range of services, from precise diagnostic assessments to symptom management, nutrition guidance, regular monitoring through blood tests and scans, clinical reviews, and diverse therapeutic interventions, including surgery when required.
Since its transformation in 2017, the service has garnered national recognition, including the UK Patient Experience Network award and being a finalist for the British Medical Journal Cancer Team award. It is also acknowledged by the European Rare Cancer Network (EURACAN) as an expert centre. In 2022, it achieved accreditation as a European NET Society (ENETS) Centre of Excellence, making it one of only 65 worldwide and 14 in the UK.
The Neuroendocrine Cancer Fund will endeavour to support innovative projects and research activities to improve care for patients in Wales whilst developing a better understanding of the cancer, how it can be detected earlier, and for the development of new therapies and management strategies. If you would like to make a donation to the fund you can do so by visiting Neuroendocrine Cancer Fund - JustGiving or www.healthcharity.wales/donate.