The NET Detectives

The NET Detectives

The NET Detectives is an awareness post.Detecting NETsIn general, it's probably true to say that Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) are difficult to diagnose. Some are more complex than others and their heterogeneity is legendary.  In many cases, they can be quiet, and imaging is key in finding them if they are big enough to be seen. As most primary care facilities (e.g. General Practitioner (GP) offices) don't have a range of imaging devices on site, referrals are often necessary to investigate more.  I don't believe it's right to say this referral is a misdiagnosis, it's just another stage in the investigation,…
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Neuroendocrine Cancer: looks can be deceiving

Neuroendocrine Cancer: looks can be deceiving

Is this the face of a cancer patient?Yes, it is actually.  This photo was taken on 31st October 2010.   Three months prior, on 26 July 2010, Ronny Allan was diagnosed with metastatic Neuroendocrine Cancer, a small intestine primary, extensive intra-abdominal neuroendocrine disease including para-aortic and para caval tissue areas, retroperitoneal fibrosis, some suspect areas above the diaphragm and multiple liver metastases.  Twelve (12) days prior to this photo, Ronny had a liver embolization which resulted in a week's recuperation plus pain. Nine days after this photo was taken, Ronny had his first major surgery spending 18 days in hospital.  Other…
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Neuroendocrine Cancer: oh yes, it’s the great pretender

Neuroendocrine Cancer: oh yes, it’s the great pretender

When I was diagnosed, I didn't even feel ill. It was therefore a bit of a shock being told I had metastatic cancer, advanced enough to kill me without treatment.It was hidingBut it did make me think back to some minor irritants, or to be accurate what I thought were minor irritants, things that I could not explain, things that I did not think were serious enough to speak to a doctor.  And what would this doctor have said at the time?I was never misdiagnosed because I was never diagnosed with anything that wasn't already there and documented. But despite…
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RonnyAllan.NET – Summary of March 2023 – Ronny Allan – Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer

RonnyAllan.NET – Summary of March 2023 – Ronny Allan – Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer

Summary -  Many thanks for supporting my social media in March.  I remain keen to hear any suggestions of the sort of thing you would like me to research and publish.  I am working on two or three more blog posts due to come in in the next 10 days, please stay tuned. The top 10 most-read posts in March are listed below: Tribute to the life and legacy of Miranda Filmer A story of strength and inspiration in the most trying of circumstances.  Miranda and her parents are determined to help others despite the loss of Miranda.  Click here…
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A Newsletter from RonnyAllan.NET – 13th March 2023

A Newsletter from RonnyAllan.NET – 13th March 2023

Newsletter from Ronny Allan - 13th March 2023 Welcome to my new template newsletter compiled using WordPress (my blog app). This is the 2nd in this format, and I will continue in the absence of a Newsletter app that meets my needs. It's been another busy month as you will see below. But please take the time to read through as I can almost guarantee there will be something you missed and want to read and share! Some of the items below will make you laugh but others may make you cry. Latest Blog Posts My award-winning blog is central…
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RonnyAllan.NET – Summary of February 2023 – Ronny Allan – Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer

RonnyAllan.NET – Summary of February 2023 – Ronny Allan – Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer

Summary Another great start to 2023 and I thank those who continue to support my social media and this blog.  I’m keen to hear any suggestions of the sort of thing you would like me to research and publish.  I am working on two or three more blog posts due to come in in the next 10 days, please stay tuned. The top 10 most-read posts in February are listed below: Grading and Staging – Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (incorporating WHO 2021 changes) This is not a surprise, it's one of my top 6 ever but it got a good read last…
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A Newsletter from RonnyAllan.NET – 12th February 2023

A Newsletter from RonnyAllan.NET – 12th February 2023

Newsletter from Ronny Allan - 12th February 2023Welcome to my new template newsletter compiled using WordPress (my blog app). I generated a template similar to my previous email newsletter and hopefully this will work out.  But it does rely on you opening the email notification you receive.   This is a bit of a practice so I'm hoping this format will work (Please support it!) and I'll continue to look for a suitable app which meets my needs in the meantime. Latest Blog Posts My award winning blog is central to everything I do, without it, there is no Facebook, twitter…
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RonnyAllan.NET – Summary of January 2023 – Ronny Allan – Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer

RonnyAllan.NET – Summary of January 2023 – Ronny Allan – Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer

SummaryGreat start to 2023 and I thank those who continue to support my social media and this blog.  I'm keen to hear any suggestions of the sort of thing you would like me to research and publish.The top 10 most-read posts in January are listed below:Paul Hunter Tribute – Snooker champion and Neuroendocrine Cancer patientThe Masters Snooker competition was held in January 2023 and there was a tremendous spike in views at the time of the final. The Masters Trophy was named the Paul Hunter trophy, and this incidentally generates a vast amount of awareness for Neuroendocrine Cancer as most…
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Neuroendocrine tumors are uncommon but definitely not rare

Neuroendocrine tumors are uncommon but definitely not rare

USA finally commits  UK and Australian figures recently confirmed that Neuroendocrine Cancer is the 10th and 7th most common cancer type.  It was great to see this post from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, albeit the USA is joining later than many other countries confirming the worst-kept secret ever - NETs are not rare.  That said, several NET specialists in the USA have been more vocal about this (one example is below), much more so than the cancer organisations (including the ones who represent us) who disappointingly market the rare theme along with the antiquated use of words such…
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RonnyAllan.NET – a review of 2022

RonnyAllan.NET – a review of 2022

ReviewIn 2022, my pet project (my blog) hit 2 million views in early November – that was a major boost.  It takes 3-4 years to get a million hits based on current performance.  To be honest, I’m still flabbergasted by reaching one million in 2018. It just kinda happened!  I am grateful for every single view. 2022 was a challenging year, mainly because the pandemic had some latent impact on my social media activity and also in terms of growth.  2020 and 2021 were slower than normal but 2022 has seen some pickup.  Some of it is due to less writing but much…
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RonnyAllan.NET – Summary of December 2022

RonnyAllan.NET – Summary of December 2022

SummaryDecember is always the quietest month of the year, no surprise why!  However, the top 10 below is somewhat surprising, I guess some posts I make spike regardless of the time of year.  Ever wonder what caused your Neuroendocrine Cancer?This clearly interests people because approaching 1000 people read it from one single post on Facebook.  If this floats your boat - Click here or on the picture.Diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer? – 10 questions to ask your doctor (and where to find a NET Specialist Worldwide)A frequently visited post, very helpful I'm told. It will one day be my most-read blog post. …
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RonnyAllan.NET – Summary of November 2022

RonnyAllan.NET – Summary of November 2022

In November 2022, I was very active on my blog site as it was World Neuroendocrine Cancer Day on 10th Nov (although every day is the same for me!).   The death of Wilko Johnson was unexpected, I tough he would be strumming his guitar for a bit longer.  That was the top post by some margin.   The 2nd top was surprisingly popular - empathy from an oncology nurse diagnosed with cancer.  Only one old favourite made it into the top 5. Here are the 5 most read posts in November 2022.  Click on the blue heading or the picture to…
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My tribute to Wilko Johnson #NeuroendocrineCancer – Rock and Roll Wilko!

My tribute to Wilko Johnson #NeuroendocrineCancer – Rock and Roll Wilko!

BREAKING NEWS    I recently blogged about a well-known BBC political reporter who has Neuroendocrine Cancer with a Lung Primary.  However, in the usual media 'double speak' which can sometimes pervade the coverage of such events, he is said to have Lung Cancer.  As I said in that article, sometimes with Neuroendocrine Cancer - the devil is in the detail and you just need to dig to find it. Annoying, we shouldn't need to dig as he doesn't have Lung Cancer.  I wrote about this anatomical issue here.  This is exactly what happened to Steve Jobs and Aretha Franklin. No sooner…
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Neuroendocrine Cancer:  Those who know, know!

Neuroendocrine Cancer: Those who know, know!

Over the years of my advocating, I've tried to explain Neuroendocrine Cancer to many people outside the community.  Some 'get it' but many don't.  Most understand 'Cancer', but they have real difficulty understanding 'Neuroendocrine'.  Despite how hard I try, I can see that some of them just don't get it!  I told someone I had a primary in the small intestine once, they said "oh you have bowel cancer then?" - NO! One of the challenges of explaining Neuroendocrine Cancer is the sheer complexity and spectrum of types. It's a heterogeneous grouping of cancers ranging from some quite indolent versions…
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Ask More, Assume Less

Ask More, Assume Less

This is a great catchphrase from Neuroendocrine Cancer UK. It is partly based on the realisation that Neuroendocrine Cancer is no longer rare.  OK, that has been the case for some years but the recent data from NHS England cements this patently obvious truth. In England, it is now the 10th most prevalent cancer with a continually rising incidence – that has already seen 371% increase since 1995.  Neuroendocrine Cancer UK is possibly the most progressive organisation within the INCA national collective, although I am seeing glimmers of change in some others.  Unfortunately, many North American organizations/advocates appear to be…
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Neuroendocrine Cancer:  Beware But Be Aware

Neuroendocrine Cancer: Beware But Be Aware

An awareness post from Ronny Allan BEWAREThere are a lot of scary diseases in this world.  Take the lesser-known type of cancer that infiltrated my body for example - Neuroendocrine Cancer.  Not only is it scary but it's also cunning, devious, misleading, and double-crossing. It likes nothing better than to play tricks on you.It will grow in your body without you knowing.  It finds places to hide, mainly the small intestine, appendix, lungs, stomach, pancreas, rectum, and a host of other places. It can be fiendishly small to avoid being seen.  Once it's established in the primary location (....or locations),…
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RonnyAllan.NET – Summary of October 2022

RonnyAllan.NET – Summary of October 2022

In October 2022, it was nice to see some of the newer blog posts featuring rather than the old favourites.  That guy Steve Jobs is there but only because I posted about the anniversary of his death on October 5th.Here are the 5 most read posts in October 2022.Evidence of disease but stableEvidence of disease but stable. People get fixated on these terms, or not even be aware of what they actually mean.... but the aim of this blog post was to say that even with Evidence of Disease (ED) you can still be stable.Click here or on the picture…
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Opinion: On Rare Cancer Day, what’s wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?

Opinion: On Rare Cancer Day, what’s wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?

On Rare Cancer Day, what's wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?  Well, there are three main things wrong with Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness: 1. The incidence and prevalence of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (the combination of Neuroendocrine Tumours (NET) and Neuroendocrine Carcinomas (NEC)) have skyrocketed in the last 40 years to the point that many scientists, epidemiologists and Neuroendocrine specialists are starting to use different terminology, commensurate with the math. Read more by clicking here or on the picture below.  Let's do the math not the myth. 2.  Linked to the issue above, the community remains entrenched in 1907 terminology which…
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A Study of CF33-hNIS (VAXINIA), an Oncolytic Virus, as Monotherapy or in Combination With Pembrolizumab in Adults With Metastatic or Advanced Solid Tumors (MAST)

A Study of CF33-hNIS (VAXINIA), an Oncolytic Virus, as Monotherapy or in Combination With Pembrolizumab in Adults With Metastatic or Advanced Solid Tumors (MAST)

A Study of CF33-hNIS (VAXINIA), an Oncolytic Virus, as Monotherapy or in Combination With Pembrolizumab in Adults With Metastatic or Advanced Solid Tumors (MAST)Neuroendocrine Neoplasms are considered solid tumours.Imugene Limited, a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company, and City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, today announced that the first patient was dosed in Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating the safety of novel cancer-killing virus CF33-hNIS VAXINIA when used in people with advanced solid tumors. The City of Hope-developed oncolytic virus has been shown to shrink colon, lung, breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer tumors…
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Neuroendocrine Cancer:  When you get years added to your life, it’s important to get life added to your years

Neuroendocrine Cancer: When you get years added to your life, it’s important to get life added to your years

Self Pity or Self Help? I'm not one for wallowing in self-pity or accepting invites to pity parties.  It's not my style. Things happen in life, and some are impossible to undo so I want to get on with my life in the best way possible. To some of you, that may sound harsh and insensitive, but I don't lack empathy for others (my advocacy work is a testament to that) and I'm constantly sympathising with others in my quest to help them via my blog, Facebook pages, and private Facebook group (see green box below) which is the biggest in…
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Eat that doughnut!

Eat that doughnut!

I was recently reminded of a post I wrote called "The Other 5 Es".  I later changed the name to "The 6 Es".  The reason I wrote that post was due to the blanket use of something called "The 5 Es of Carcinoid Syndrome" in my private group. Taking this out of context can lead to unnecessary worry and constraints for many.I laughed out loud when I saw the reminder from my Facebook where I introduced this new blog post and it simply read "Eat that doughnut".  What I didn't confirm was that I was using a metaphor i.e. I…
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My illness may be invisible, but I am not – Neuroendocrine Cancer

My illness may be invisible, but I am not – Neuroendocrine Cancer

The term invisible illness refers to any medical condition that is not outwardly visible to others, even healthcare professionals. Invisible illnesses encompass a broad range of conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, dementia, psychiatric illness, autoimmune disorders, and even cancer.  Many Neuroendocrine Cancer patients look outwardly healthy, and this can often lead to a lack of appreciation of the potential dangers lurking in their life, the person's actual capabilities, and how they cope with their condition. I am sure those reading who have a Neuroendocrine Cancer diagnosis will find something similar to their own experiences. Growing invisibly inside me for years before making a…
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The trouble with the NET (Part 5) – Cancer Diet Myths

The trouble with the NET (Part 5) – Cancer Diet Myths

Certain popular ideas about how cancer starts and spreads - though scientifically wrong, can seem to make sense, especially when those ideas are rooted in old theories. To a certain extent, it can be the case with treatment too. But wrong ideas about cancer can lead to needless worry and even hinder good prevention and treatment decisions.  Even food and nutritional supplements fall into this area. Common dietary mythsThere are numerous (alleged) ‘anti-cancer’ diets and foods in the media and on the internet but some of the most common ones are highlighted in the section below. This summary cannot cover all dietary…
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Blog review and top 10 for 2021:  RonnyAllan.NET

Blog review and top 10 for 2021: RonnyAllan.NET

I should be happy with over a quarter of a million views in 2021 but I'm not!  Like 2020, my figures are down on previous years as the pandemic seems to have changed viewing habits, not to mention my own bandwidth during this period. I created my private Facebook group not that long before the pandemic started, and I think that has been playing a part as huge chunks of my time has been taken up on that special project.  I also changed the nature and the type of posts on my "Ronny Allan" Facebook page, which led to fewer…
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Opinion: On World Neuroendocrine Cancer Day, what’s wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?

Opinion: On World Neuroendocrine Cancer Day, what’s wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?

On World Neuroendocrine Cancer Day, what's wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness? Where do I start ........  well, there are three main things wrong with Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness. Ancient Misnomers1.  The community remains entrenched in 1907 terminology which needs to be brought into 2022. Things have moved on so much but the use of this ancient terminology and what it infers, just keeps us marking time in the last century. It does not do us any favours in awareness terms, nor does it do us any favours in clinical terms.  If clinicians, scientific organisations (including pharma and clinicians regional societies),…
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Neuroendocrine Tumors: Targeted Therapies – Update from NET Specialist Diane Reidy-Lagunes, MD, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center – August 2021

Neuroendocrine Tumors: Targeted Therapies – Update from NET Specialist Diane Reidy-Lagunes, MD, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center – August 2021

Background.  For those who want a quick run through of Neuroendocrine Tumors from diagnosis to selection of treatment, about the treatments themselves plus what is the Future Directions in the Management of Neuroendocrine Tumors.  There are 8 episodes, and each is around 3-5 minutes long. I personally found them very useful and in a language understandable to patients. Great job by OncLive and Dr Reidy-Lagunes!  Episode 1 - Understanding the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Neuroendocrine Tumors Diane Reidy-Lagunes, MD, provides an overview of neuroendocrine tumors, along with specific considerations for optimal diagnosis and prognostication. Understanding the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Neuroendocrine Tumors (onclive.com)…
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I thought I was going to die.  I didn’t

I thought I was going to die. I didn’t

Opinion.  It can be extremely hard to face a diagnosis of cancer and with that, an uncertain future. After treatment, there's worry about the cancer growing or coming back after a period of stability.   BUT there is also the thought of dying of cancer.  I think as you get older, you tend to begin to accept death is inevitable, or at least that is how I feel today, aged 65.  I was diagnosed at the age of 54 which I guess in cancer terms, is still relatively young. I also suspect this fear must be multiplied in a much younger…
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Small Intestine Neuroendocrine Tumours (SI NETs): To cut or not to cut?

Small Intestine Neuroendocrine Tumours (SI NETs): To cut or not to cut?

Small Intestine Neuroendocrine Tumours (SI NET) are one of the most common types of Neuroendocrine Cancer, and also one of the most challenging to diagnose and then treat. Patients can have a very good outlook even when presenting with metastatic disease.  However, it's true to say that some NET centres of excellence (CoE) or multi-disciplinary team (MDT) see a lot of SI NET patients have built up considerable experience in treating them, including the use of surgery.  The surgical challenges are such that a surgeon not experienced in treating these cases may shy away or think they are inoperable, whereas…
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Let’s Talk About NETs (#LetsTalkAboutNETs)

Let’s Talk About NETs (#LetsTalkAboutNETs)

Caption: Talking to Ipsen 2016 I do a lot of writing about NETs but I guess I've also done some talking too.  Some of these talks to patient groups and healthcare professionals were recorded and I have access to those recordings.  Others were not recorded but where possible and I am authorised to do so, I will attach the presentation slides.  Please note videos, presentation slides, and any Podcasts are in English. I'll list some of them below for your perusal.  I will keep adding them so they're all in one place.  Published talks Ann Edgar Trust - 31st August 2022…
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Every picture tells a story (point, click, read)

Every picture tells a story (point, click, read)

I always try to use graphics for a number of pictures, I admit mainly to catch people's attention but also because sometimes a picture on its own tells a story or at least provides a great introduction to one. If the picture catches your eye, clicking on will take you to the text.  This post will auto update as new blogs are published. thanks for reading and sharing! Scroll, point, click, read, share! Disclaimer I am not a doctor or any form of medical professional, practitioner or counsellor. None of the information on my website, or linked to my website(s),…
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A person with Neuroendocrine Cancer fell into a hole and couldn’t get out……….

A person with Neuroendocrine Cancer fell into a hole and couldn’t get out……….

A person with Neuroendocrine Cancer fell into a hole and couldn’t get out. As a colleague walked by, the person called out for help, but the colleague yelled back, "Suck it up, dig deep and get on with it" then threw the person a shovel. The person accepted that advice and dug that hole deeper.A manager went by, and the person called out for help again. The manager shouted down "Use the tools your colleague has given you", but then threw down a bucket adding to the tools available. The person used the tools to dig the hole deeper still…
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A painting from America

A painting from America

Which one is the painting? (See separate originals below) I've always been one to keep an eye out for the postman (the postie as we say here). Even as a heavy user of computers, I still get excited about receiving 'paper' mail.  Other than birthday cards, I personally don't tend to see many handwritten letters nowadays. In today's internet connected world, handwritten letters are always exciting, always special. This time it was a parcel from USA but unlike the story "Letter from America" (see below), I was expecting this one.  One of the NET community had selected one of my walk…
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The 6 E’s

The 6 E’s

An opinion postWhen I first heard of something called "The 5 Es", it struck me that I was aware of these issues and their potential effects; and I’m certain there is science to substantiate most of the content. These 5 E’s are apparently the most common ‘triggers’ for (so called) Carcinoid Syndrome. Clearly, they are not going to have the same effect on every patient e.g. I have the occasional drink of ‘Ethanol’ and I always enjoy it, I go for long exhausting walks as ‘Exercise’ and I always feel great after. I had dental treatment using ‘Epinephrine’ without any precautions before and after I…
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A Neuroendocrine Cancer diagnosis:  I didn’t even feel ill

A Neuroendocrine Cancer diagnosis: I didn’t even feel ill

I talk often about my diagnosis but not about an 'incident' which occurred almost immediately prior to being formally told. I was well into the 'diagnostic phase', having had all sorts of tests including a liver biopsy.  I vividly remember thinking these tests were a 'nuisance', I was far too busy and I didn't even feel ill. In hindsight, I was fortunate to have had such a thorough bunch of physicians who diagnosed me with metastatic Neuroendocrine Cancer in about 6 weeks 'flash to bang'.  I intentionally use a phrase associated with 'quick' because in the world of Neuroendocrine Cancer, 6 weeks is 'warp…
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Ronny Allan Newsletter – 1st March 2021

Ronny Allan Newsletter – 1st March 2021

Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email OverviewMany thanks for the support in February both on public pages and in my group - in fact the group's statistics are totally booming - that is helping a lot of people.  My public sites still need some work and I'm hoping you can help with that.  Of course, it's not helped by my finger injury which is holding me back. Read more about that problem below.Monthly update followsThe newsletter is now divided into several sections:1. External news of interest. …
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Opinion: On Rare Disease Day, what’s wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?

Opinion: On Rare Disease Day, what’s wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?

On Rare Disease Day, what's wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?  Well, there are three main things wrong with Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness. 1 The incidence and prevalence of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (the combination of Neuroendocrine Tumours (NET) and Neuroendocrine Carcinomas (NEC)) have skyrocketed in the last 40 years to the point that many scientists, epidemiologists and Neuroendocrine specialists are starting to use different terminology, commensurate with the math. Two of many examples: Read more by clicking here or on the picture below.  Let's do the math not the myth. 2 Linked to the issue above, the community remains entrenched…
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Ronny Allan – Top 10 for 2020 – Neuroendocrine Cancer

Ronny Allan – Top 10 for 2020 – Neuroendocrine Cancer

Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email 2020 was a different year due to the pandemic and it has spilled over into 2021 - this has had the effect of being slightly down on the 2019 figures.  I also changed tack on one of my pages adding a 'coping' theme rather than writing new blog posts.  This also had the effect of reducing blog hits for the year but very happy under the circumstances. Much of the effort in 2020 was directed in building up my private…
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Neuroendocrine Cancer – I didn’t hear it coming

Neuroendocrine Cancer – I didn’t hear it coming

A Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness post by Ronny Allan. The sooner any cancer can be correctly diagnosed, the better chances of a curative scenario for the person concerned.  However, some cancers are in the 'difficult to diagnose' category. Certain types of Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) are in this difficult to diagnose category due to the vague symptoms which may be mistaken for other diseases and routine illnesses.  However, in many cases which don't seem to make the statistics, it can be incredibly quiet leading to incidental diagnosis including at an advanced stage. It's SNEAKY! Every year the advocacy organisations push out skewed…
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Opinion: On World Cancer Day, what’s wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?

Opinion: On World Cancer Day, what’s wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?

On World Cancer Day, what's wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?  Well, there are three main things wrong with Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness: If the community does not address these 3 issues, awareness will continue to fail and continue to flounder.  I standby to help with the change, in fact, my work started in 2015 and continues. 1.  To be told your cancer isn't really cancer is an insult.2.  To be called an animal is to be dehumanised.  3.  To be rare when you're not, is a step back and is hindering access to clinical trial research. WE NEED A NEW PARADIGM.   First thing…
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Ronny Allan Newsletter – 1st February 2021

Ronny Allan Newsletter – 1st February 2021

Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email Overview 2021 is now underway and January has been an interesting month.  The highs are the approval of more vaccines and I had the first of my own vaccinations on 31st January - click here to see the announcement on my Facebook page. The lows are slightly depressing growth figures on my biggest Facebook public page and less than normal blog figures for the month of January. I'll need to work on that in February and with your help, I…
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Currently trending on RonnyAllan.NET

Currently trending on RonnyAllan.NET

PLEASE SHARE THIS POST I realise some of you are busy but if you wanted a quick catch up and summary of what's currently relevant on my site, you can bookmark this article and refer to it time and time again.  It will automatically update the top 10 list below which are the most read posts in the previous 48 hours on my site. To read an article just click on the title in the box below These views will have come from various sources of reading including my Facebook pages, Twitter, Pinterest, Wordpress, newsletters and in my private group.…
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Ronny Allan Newsletter – 1st January 2021

Ronny Allan Newsletter – 1st January 2021

Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email Happy new year everyone! OverviewJust when things couldn't get weirder, they get weirder.  At the beginning of the year, I started as I meant to go on, more advocacy work, more support for patients, grow my pages, grow my website, grow my private group.  I achieved most of it (and then some).  In February/March, it became obvious things were happening that would have serious consequences.  Nonetheless, I think most people thought it would all be over in a few months.…
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A 2020 blog review (RonnyAllan.NET)

A 2020 blog review (RonnyAllan.NET)

Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email Click picture to view the A to Z of Neuroendocrine Cancer by Ronny Allan I should be happy with just over a third of a million views in 2020 but I'm not!   I had a target to beat 370,500 from 2019 but fell short by 35,000 (an average month).  However, you can see from the chart below, I was on track in Jan/Feb but knocked sideways by the COVID pandemic in March to August. I never got back above 30k…
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Genome methylation accurately predicts neuroendocrine tumor origin – finding Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of unknown primary

Genome methylation accurately predicts neuroendocrine tumor origin – finding Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of unknown primary

It's estimated that around 5-10% of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NENs) have an unknown primary - what that means is cancer cells have been found in the body but the place cancer began remains unknown.  I wrote about this issue in more depth in my article "Needle in a haystack" - you can read that here.  In that article, you will note that NET specialists through their knowledge and understanding of the behaviour of these comped tumours, can often drill down and gather various pieces of evidence to help narrow down the primary location. However, this new study would indicate they could…
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The other Big C can be dangerous too

The other Big C can be dangerous too

I managed to avoid a C-19 infection all the way through several lockdowns, and I deployed a rigorous protection regime throughout. Ditto for Chris.  I have a chest infection history, so for me, it was a no-brainer to take advantage of the vaccines on offer.July 2022 - boom!  It slipped through the net (no pun).   I have to say it was not an enjoyable experience and I would not like to repeat it.   Today I received my 4th vaccine and am very happy to do so. If it offers any protection from serious illness, I'll gladly take it.  Read my…
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2 Million!

2 Million!

Today, 27th October 2022, I can confirm the 2 million views milestone has been reached. I was totally astonished to have been able to accumulate a million views of my blog around the middle of June 2019 and in December 2020, a Christmas present of one and a half million!  Fast forward to November 2021 and it's one and three-quarters million.That is THANKS to you guys for reading and sharing. When I first set up this blog in Apr 2014, it was just to help spread awareness (and collect a few pennies) whilst I was walking the 84 miles of Hadrian's Wall…
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Ronny Allan Newsletter 1st December 2020

Ronny Allan Newsletter 1st December 2020

Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email This newsletter covers a busy November with a look ahead for December and beyond.  October 2020 was manic, but November was just as manic but in a different way.  It was also a better month in terms of growth (increased viewing statistics etc).In UK. most of November had been under new COVID restrictions but due to the weather this time of year, I was not able to exploit that as much as the first lockdown in April/May.  Despite that, I'm built…
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Ronny Allan Newsletter 1st November 2020

Ronny Allan Newsletter 1st November 2020

Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email This newsletter covers a busy October with a look ahead for Nov/Dec.  September 2020 was manic but October, although slightly less busy, has been a mix of activity, much of it devoted to personal pursuits.  The end of October in UK has arrived and an announcement of another nationwide COVID lockdown. his will keep me low profile in November but as I've said before, I'm built for lockdowns as long as I can get a walk or cycle in the woods…
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Ronny Allan Newsletter 1st October 2020

Ronny Allan Newsletter 1st October 2020

Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email September 2020 has been another very interesting month and I'm still trying to work out how I've been able to pack it all into 30 days.   It's a month full of personal 'cancerversaries', things that have inspired me to do more and signs of normal life returning (well at least a new normal).   The newsletter is divided into a number of sections: 1.  External news of interest.  A shortlist of things I picked up on my social media travels. 2.…
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“I’m vertical” – Steve Jobs announces to Apple staff after a liver transplant

“I’m vertical” – Steve Jobs announces to Apple staff after a liver transplant

Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email A lot had been written about Steve Jobs, some good, some bad, some inaccurate - the latter is mostly about the cancer he had.  I came across this clip published by an Apple Mac publication and it contained a video of Steve the day he returned to Apple after having a liver transplant and had recovered from the procedure.  In it he said "I'm vertical" in classic Jobs language and positive outlook.  Watch the clip here:https://youtu.be/BNv2lH225Ko The article is a…
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