November 10, 2019: NET Cancer Awareness Day

WHEREAS, neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are cancers that begin when neuroendocrine cells, which are found throughout your body, develop changes in their DNA; and,

 

WHEREAS, NET cancers can occur in most organs of the body, but are often found in the lungs, appendix, small intestine, rectum, and pancreas;

 

WHEREAS, the number of people diagnosed with this type of tumor is increasing by more than 5 percent each year. It is estimated that more than 12,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with a NET each year, and approximately 170,000 people are living with one.

 

WHEREAS, NET cancers do not always cause symptoms, or may have varied symptoms based on the location of the tumor, therefore, patients are sometimes misdiagnosed or receive a delayed diagnosis, which can have a negative impact on their chance of survival and quality of life; and,

 

WHEREAS, if left untreated, NET cancers can result in serious illness and death, therefore timely diagnosis and proper treatment is essential for NET cancer patients and,

 

WHEREAS, the increase in people who are diagnosed is thought to be mostly related to improvements in the way NETs are diagnosed, including better imaging tests and endoscopy, and increased awareness of these tumors. Therefore, it is important to continue to raise awareness of NETs through research, advocacy, and support.

 

NOW THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 10, 2019 as NET Cancer Awareness Day in Michigan.