November 1, 2021

By Anne Dabbs, 
NCAN TN Chapter Leader, NET Patient

In the time it takes to share a greeting on an elevator with a stranger, we need to have a description for our rare, incurable disease that does not lead the listener to a “deer in the headlights” reaction. This year, for NET CANCER AWARENESS DAY, we are asking everyone to begin crafting their personal elevator speech.

We need to be ready to tell our cancer story concisely and correctly every time we have the opportunity to share awareness of Neuroendocrine Cancer.

Strangers, new acquaintances, even some family and friends need to know just enough so they are motivated to encourage and support us, and to be sincere in their efforts to want to help us. INCREASING AWARENESS is central to our Neuroendocrine community’s expansion into the world of research. Heightened awareness benefits patients, physicians, and researchers as it leads to enhanced education, improved diagnostic tools and additional treatments.

What have I learned in five years of crafting my elevator speech?

I never begin by stating that I am a Stage 4 cancer patient. A casual listener will immediately start looking for signs of my demise. The subsequent comment about Grade 1 is wasted. Stage 4 NETs cancer typically does not equal Stage 4 prognosis of more well known cancers.

I rarely tell the location of my primary tumor as that (important to me) detail immediately will erroneously classify me as a colon cancer patient.

And I avoid details of my monthly SSA injections which will likely involve a long winded, unnecessary discussion about chemotherapy (SSAs are a hormone therapy).

Make your words count in the effort to raise awareness about Neuroendocrine Cancer so that others will be motivated to help.

“I have a rare, incurable, but treatable Neuroendocrine Cancer diagnosis. It has metastasized to many locations in my body, but it is a very slow growing cancer. With proper surveillance and a treatment plan crafted for me by my specialists, I anticipate a reasonable life expectancy. Thankfully, with increased awareness and research, new developments are giving us hope for earlier detection and improved treatments every year.”

I have shared my personal elevator story with you in hopes that you will share yours in the comments below. Together we will work to raise our voices for our Neuroendocrine community. Together we will make a difference.

And, as always, if you need anything we are HERE and ready to help.

Find out more about how YOU can help the NET Community.

Disclaimer: NCAN blog posts are the opinions of its writers and are not intended as a replacement for medical advice. Please consult your Health Care Providers for individual concerns.