What increases my risk of NETs?

The cause of NETs is unknown. But there are certain things called risk factors that can increase your chance of developing them. These include:           

• Gender: Men are slightly more at risk than women.
• Age: It is more common in older people, especially over the age of 60.
• Race: Black men of African descent have a slightly higher risk.
• Genetic conditions: Your risk is higher if you have a rare family syndrome called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) or a condition called neurofibromatosis.
• Stomach conditions: If you have certain stomach conditions such as peptic ulcer or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, your risk may be higher.
• Smoking: Smoking may increase the risk of NETs. More research is being done on this.

Having a risk factor doesn’t mean you will get cancer. Sometimes people with no risk factors get the disease. If you’re worried, talk to your GP or to one of our cancer nurses. Call our Support Line on 1800 200 700 or visit a Daffodil Centre.