Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are malignant cancer cells found in the neuroendocrine system and are often misdiagnosed because they can occur in many different organs and have no common set of symptoms. This means that 60 per cent of people have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis.

With no known causes or avoidable risk factors, new research to improve outcomes and quality of life for people living with NETs is vital.

Thankfully, Dr Cehic is on our side.

Dr Cehic leads the Nuclear Medicine Department at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH). Equipped with a grant from The Hospital Research Foundation Group, she and her team are fighting back to ensure their patients continue to be offered the best of diagnostic, treatment and supportive care well into the future.

The QEH is one of only a few centres nationally to provide a specialised radiotherapy service to patients living with NETs.

Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy can stabilise the disease, often improving quality of life by reducing the impact of hormones and controlling patients’ symptoms.

“The driving force for me has been, and will always be, to improve the lives of my patients whose health and wellbeing has been entrusted to me,” Dr Cehic says.

“The ongoing success of medical advances continues to improve outcomes across many areas, but there remains unmet need, especially when dealing with uncommon or rare disease like NETs.”

To combat this, Dr Cehic’s ground-breaking research aims to identify the various symptoms that can affect the physical and psychological wellbeing of people living with NETs. In doing so, she and her team can then develop individualised strategies to effectively manage these symptoms and improve quality of life.

In addition to providing world-leading care, Dr Cehic is also passionate about ensuring all her patients feel heard and fully supported.

“Knowing and believing that there is a team of people to help and support you along the way provides our patients with the will and strength to move from treatment to treatment, day after day,” Dr Cehic says.

This drive and compassion is why Dr Cehic volunteered to be a part of The Hospital Research Foundation Group’s new Together. Fight. campaign.

Together. Fight. is a message for all South Australians, reminding us that we are not alone in the fight against diseases and illnesses such as NETs. Together with researchers, clinicians, patients and community support, The Hospital Research Foundation Group is fighting right alongside us by providing grants for life-changing medical research and improved healthcare.

“Chronic disease, in its many forms, really can be a ‘Beast.’ Together. Fight. highlights how we are all in this together, and I am honoured to be a part of a campaign with such a strong message,” Dr Cehic says.

To find out more about THRF Group and what it means to, Together. Fight. visit hospitalresearch.com.au/togetherfight.