About
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are complex tumours that arise from cells of the neuroendocrine system, which are found throughout the body. NETs are most common in the lung or gastrointestinal system, but they can also originate in other parts of the body such as the thyroid, pancreas, adrenals, ovaries, and testes. Affecting approximately 15,000–20,000 Canadians, NET Cancer is the fastest growing class of cancer worldwide, and its cause is currently unknown.
NETs can be silent for years. When symptoms occur, they are often unclear and similar to many other common health problems. If diagnosed early, NETs can be managed, but they are frequently misdiagnosed. By the time a correct diagnosis is reached, the cancer has often spread.
Founded in 2007, the Canadian Neuroendocrine Tumour Society (CNETS), provides awareness, education, advocacy and support to NET patients, families and caregivers. Working in collaboration with medical and scientific experts, stakeholders and partner associations, CNETS is the only Canadian charity supporting the NET community by:
- Helping NET patients obtain personalized diagnostic and therapeutic options
- Advocating on behalf of individual patients and for policies to support NET patients
- Providing workshops and seminars on NET-related subjects
- Establishing local support groups to provide support services for those affected by NETs
CNETS is committed to improving the quality of life and survival for NET patients across Canada. To deliver on this vision, 2022 is the seventh year we are offering grants across Canada for NET cancer research, through the Neuroendocrine Tumour Research Grant Competition, focused on projects that could have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of NET patients.
Legacy gifts to CNETS are recognized and honoured through our Maureen Coleman Legacy Society. If you have any questions about making a legacy gift, please feel welcome to contact us at info@cnets.ca.
Our Impact
CNETS is widely recognized by patients and the medical community across Canada as an organization that improves the quality of life and survival for NET patients. Since our founding, we have:
- Donated over $940,000 to NET Research
- Distributed over 9,000 NET Reference Guides to patients, caregivers and healthcare providers across Canada
- Presented over 150 Patient & Caregiver Education sessions, unique opportunities for patients to have direct contact with the doctors working in this field in their local communities and an excellent opportunity for networking with other NET patients, families and caregivers.
- Supported over 1,200 constituents via online private patient & caregiver support groups
- Assisted over 100 patients in advocating for access to treatments & diagnostics
- Provided online resources utilized by 25,000 visitors annually
- Responded to 500 constituent email and telephone inquiries annually
- Supported and promoted local Support Groups across Canada, attended by 350 patients and caregivers annually: Edmonton, Hamilton/Halton/Niagara, London, Montreal, New Brunswick, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Winnipeg
- Presented 12 NET Patient Conferences in major cities across Canada and virtually in 2021, each with attendance of several hundred
- Presented NET Virtual Education Webinars, with attendance of over 600 in 2021
