Aim: There has been evolving evidence that the incidence of neuroendocrine tumours is increasing worldwide. We undertook a statistical review to assess the incidence and survival trends of neuroendocrine tumours in Western Australia.
Methods: Using the Western Australian Cancer Registry, we analysed the incidence and survival of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), and their subgroups of grade and site of origin. Patients diagnosed with NENs between 1995 and 2014 were included and analysed in five year categories. Relative survival was calculated using the period approach for each time period.
Results: The age standardised incidence rate (ASR) of Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) (grade 1 and 2) significantly increased from 2.4 per 100,000 in 1995-1999, to 3.7 per 100,000 in 2010-2014. Over the same time period, the ASR by site increased significantly in colorectal from 1.1 per 100,000, to 2.0 per 100,000. The ASR by site also increased in small intestine from 0.5 to 0.6 per 100,000, lung from 0.5 to 0.6 per 100,000, and gastric from 0.1 to 0.2 per 100,000, however these were not significant. Endoscopy rates increased during this time, from 27 per 1,000 person-years in 2007, up to 30 in 2014, and 34 in 2017. The five year survival rate for NETs significantly increased from 78% in 1995-1999 to 93% in 2010-2014.
The age standardised incidence rate of grade 3 Neuroendocrine Carcinomas (NECs) significantly increased from 1.3 per 100,000 in 1995-1999, to 1.9 per 100,000 in 2010-2014. The five year survival rate of NECs observed a significant increase from 21% in 1995-1999 to 45% in 2010-2014.
Conclusion: In the Western Australian population, the incidence of NETs and NECs are significantly rising, as is survival. We are exploring the relationship between endoscopy rates and the rising incidence of NETs.