Neuroendocrine Cancer – tumour markers and hormone levels
Originally published 2016, updated October 2025 Background Some people hear the terms "tumour markers" and "hormone levels" when they are diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NENs). That might be confusing or even alarming at the time. Most people diagnosed with cancer will have had a form of medical testing at some point in their life, i.e. the sampling and testing of blood, urine, saliva, stool or body tissue. With NENs, the medical staff are just measuring the content of a 'substance' and then taking a view whether this is normal or not based on pre-determined ranges. These tests are normally done…
Neuroendocrine Cancer Nutrition Series Article 3 – Gut Health
In this article, I'm discussing the use of probiotics to combat several issues including the general health of the 'gut' including IBS like symptoms, and the potential issue of small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), all of which may be related in some way to Neuroendocrine Tumours. That said, these issue may be regular conditions, nothing to do with NET. Nutritional issues are one of the biggest challenges affecting most Neuroendocrine Cancer patients and nutrition and gut health can become more important issues. It is also a key factor in maintaining a decent quality of life and for most countries without…
A spotlight on Gastric Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
What are Gastric NENs Unlike other anatomical types, the word Gastric is used to indicate a tumour (NET) or carcinoma (NEC) in the stomach. The stomach lies at the bottom of your oesophagus and connects to the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). Clearly a key part of the gastrointestinal system, it processes food on its journey downwards. The stomach produces strong acid. This kills many microorganisms that might have been swallowed along with the food. It also contains special chemicals called enzymes. These are important for breaking down the food so it can be absorbed by the…
Proton Pump Inhibitors (…..and H2 Blockers) the NET Effect
What are Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)? Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most commonly used medications in the world. They reduce the production of acid by blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. Acid is necessary for the formation of most ulcers in the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and the reduction of acid with PPIs prevents ulcers and allows any ulcers that exist in the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum to heal. PPIs are prescribed to treat acid-related conditions such as: Esophageal, duodenal and stomach ulcers NSAID-associated ulcer Ulcers Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome…