Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) incorporates ICD-10 codes with associated histologies in 8013, 8040–8045, 8150–8158, 8240–8249, 8345, 8680–8683, 8690–8693, 8700, 9091 or topography code C73.9 and associated histology code 8510.

New cases

In 2016, there were 4,108 new cases of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) diagnosed in Australia (2,193 males and 1,915 females). In 2020, it is estimated that 4,972 new cases of NETs will be diagnosed in Australia (2,629 males and 2,343 females). 

In 2016, the age-standardised incidence rate was 15 cases per 100,000 persons (17 for males and 14 for females). In 2020, it is estimated that the age-standardised incidence rate will be 17 cases per 100,000 persons (18 for males and 15 for females). The incidence rate for NETs is expected to increase with age, peaking at age group 80–84 years.

Figure 1. Age-standardised incidence rates for neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), 1982 to 2016, by sex

Notes

• Data sourced from AIHW Cancer Data in Australia 2020 web report and supplementary data tables

The number of new cases of NETs diagnosed increased from 1,169 (796 males and 373 females) in 1982 to 4,108 in 2016. Over the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate increased from 8.9 cases per 100,000 persons (14 for males and 5.3 for females) in 1982 to 15 cases per 100,000 in 2016.

Survival

In 2012-2016, individuals diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) had a 48% chance (42% for males and 55% for females) of surviving for five years compared to their counterparts in the general Australian population. Between 1987-1991 and 2012-2016, five-year relative survival for NETs increased from 20% to 48%.

Figure 2. 5-year relative survival for neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), 1987-1991 to 2012–2016, by sex

Notes

• Data sourced from AIHW Cancer Data in Australia 2020 web report and supplementary data tables

Prevalence

At the end of 2015, there were 3,198 people living who had been diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) that year, 10,108 people living who had been diagnosed with NETs in the previous 5 years (from 2011 to 2015) and 20,508 people living who had been diagnosed with NETs in the previous 33 years (from 1983 to 2015).

For more information on cancer data, see the NCCI website

The National Cancer Control Indicators (NCCI) are a set of indicators across the continuum of cancer care, from Prevention and Screening through to Diagnosis, Treatment, Psychosocial care, Research and Outcomes.  The NCCI website allows users to see visual representations of data on each indicator through interactive charts.