NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia (NECA) has expanded its national telehealth service to include counselling and dietitian support for people affected by neuroendocrine cancer.
The free services are available to patients, families and carers by telephone or Microsoft Teams and build on NECA’s existing NET Nurse program.
NECA said more than 31,000 Australians are affected by neuroendocrine cancer, a group of cancers that develop from specialised cells involved in producing hormones.
The counselling service provides emotional and psychological support, including help managing anxiety and uncertainty following a diagnosis and practical strategies to support wellbeing.
Dietitian services provide personalised nutritional guidance, including support for symptoms and nutrition challenges associated with hormonal syndromes and treatment.
NECA CEO Meredith Cummins said access to specialists with an understanding of neuroendocrine cancer could be difficult, particularly depending on where patients lived.
“A diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancer changes everything,” Ms Cummins said.
“People are navigating a disease which is poorly understood, has complex treatments and symptoms that can affect every part of daily life, often without access to specialists who understand NETs.
“Expanding our telehealth services means Australians can access informed, practical support wherever they live.”
Ms Cummins said nutrition and emotional wellbeing were among the greatest unmet needs reported by patients.
“These challenges can have a significant impact on day-to-day life during and beyond treatment,” she said.
“Bringing counselling and dietitian support into our telehealth service allows us to respond more holistically to what patients and families actually need.”
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