Treatment for neuroendocrine cancer

Follow up for neuroendocrine cancer

After treatment you have regular check ups. These are at the hospital but some appointments might be by telephone. You might also have tests such as blood tests or scans. This is called follow up.

Why you have follow up appointments

You usually have follow up appointments to check how you are. And to see whether you have any problems or worries. The appointments also give you the chance to raise any concerns you have about your progress.

How often you have appointments

How often you see your doctor depends on:

the grade of your neuroendocrine cancer
the type of neuroendocrine cancer
whether it has spread to other parts of the body
what treatment you have had
any side effects you might have

You might have a follow up appointment every 6 to 12 months if you have had surgery to fully remove a neuroendocrine tumour (NET). Appointments might be more often than this if you:

have a fast growing cancer.
can't have surgery
are having treatment to control your symptoms rather than to cure your neuroendocrine cancer

What happens at your appointment

Your doctor or nurse ask:

how you are feeling
whether you have had any symptoms or side effects
if you are worried about anything

You might also have tests at some visits. The tests might include:

blood tests
urine tests
scans

Between appointments

Contact your doctor or specialist nurse if you have any concerns between appointments. You should also contact them if you notice any new symptoms. You don’t have to wait until your next visit.

Many people find their follow up appointments quite worrying. A hospital appointment can bring back any anxiety you had about your cancer.

It can help to tell someone close to you how you’re feeling. Sharing your worries can mean they don’t seem so overwhelming. Many people find it helpful to have counselling during or after cancer treatment.

Read about counselling and how to find a counsellor

You can also find people to share experiences with by using our online forum, CancerChat.

Find out more at CancerChat

Other places where you can get support

For support and information, you can call the Cancer Research UK information nurses. They can give advice about who can help you and what kind of support is available. Freephone: 0808 800 4040 - Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Neuroendocrine Cancer UK

Neuroendocrine Cancer UK is a UK wide charity providing support and information to those affected by neuroendocrine cancer. They also have a helpline.

Find out more on their website

Last reviewed: 30 Apr 2025

Next review due: 30 Apr 2028

What is neuroendocrine cancer?

Neuroendocrine cancers are also called neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). There are 2 key groups - neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs).

Types of neuroendocrine cancer

There are many different types of neuroendocrine cancer. They are usually named after the part of the body where they develop.

Treatment for neuroendocrine cancer

Treatment depends on the type of neuroendocrine cancer you have, where it is, its size and whether it has spread (the stage).

Survival for neuroendocrine cancer

Survival (prognosis) depends on several factors. This includes your type of neuroendocrine cancer, where it is in your body, and whether it has spread.

Research and clinical trials

Researchers are looking at improving the diagnosis, treatment and quality of life of people with neuroendocrine cancer.

Neuroendocrine cancer main page

Neuroendocrine cancers develop in cells of the neuroendocrine system. They can develop in different parts of the body including the lungs, stomach, pancreas and bowel.