July 2026
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July 2026 | Newsletter No.19 | #ncukintheloop
Hello and welcome to July's edition of Loop!
Loop is a monthly newsletter from Neuroendocrine Cancer UK which is dedicated to bringing you the latest updates and insights related to neuroendocrine cancer.
A look back at the first half of 2026
We've achieved so much together already this year, and it's only possible because of the incredible support of our community.
In this short video, our CEO Lisa Walker, reflects on the first six months of 2026 and celebrates the progress we've made together. From growing our team and bringing our community together, to ensuring people affected by neuroendocrine cancer feel seen and heard through raising awareness and investing in research, there's plenty to celebrate.
"For my Mum, Olwen" - a carer's story
By Rhiannon
"In May 2019, Mum had a scan to investigate possible internal bleeding. She had been feeling fatigued, lacking in energy and had a very low iron count. The next day, our local hospital, The Royal Preston, phoned mum asking her to come in, and we suspected bad news to be called back in so soon."
Group Therapy and Mindfulness programmes
The October start dates for our three 8-week online Group Therapy and Mindfulness programmes are now available.
For more information and to apply, please click here.
Upcoming Webinar: Radioligand Therapy
Wednesday 26 August 2026, 6pm ONLINE
This webinar will be hosted by Dr Rebecca Hammond, Clinical Scientist in Radiation at the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust.
It is intended for any neuroendocrine cancer patient interested in, or currently going through, PRRT (Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy). This is a targeted form of nuclear medicine that uses radiation to destroy cancer cells whilst minimising damage to healthy cells. It is also known as Radioligand Therapy (RLT) or Molecular Radiotherapy (MRT) or Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) - or by the specific radioligand used.
There will be a Q&A at the end of Dr Hammond's presentation. If you would like to submit any questions ahead of the evening, please email kate@nc-uk.org
Featured Webinar: Lung NENs
This educational presentation by Dr Gaurav Ahuja, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at Royal Bolton Hospital, Bolton, UK, provides an overview of lung neuroendocrine tumours (lung carcinoids). The talk covers diagnosis, staging, treatment options, and the latest research, guiding patients and healthcare professionals through the journey from initial diagnosis to long-term care. It also highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis, multidisciplinary management, and recent advances aimed at improving patient outcomes.
Latest on the Personal Independence Payment
In 2025, the Government announced plans to review Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Thanks to sustained campaigning by individuals and charities — including our own submission alongside many of you affected by neuroendocrine cancer — the government withdrew proposals to change PIP and instead committed to delivering the Timms Review before making any changes.
An interim report was published in early July and you can read the main findings, as well as the full report, here.
A Day in The Life of Gastroenterologist, Professor Mark Pritchard
"I graduated from the University of Manchester in 1991, but have worked in Liverpool for the last 26 years. I am a Clinical Academic which means that I spend half my working week at the University of Liverpool (mostly teaching medical students and doing research) and the other half treating patients who have neuroendocrine cancer at Royal Liverpool University Hospital."
The questions that matter most: Top 10 neuroendocrine cancer research priorities agreed
“For the first time since my diagnosis, I felt I was no longer just navigating the system – I was helping to shape its future.”
In early July, people living with neuroendocrine cancer, carers and healthcare professionals came together to agree the Top 10 research priorities through the James Lind Alliance (JLA) Priority Setting Partnership, marking a significant milestone for our community.
The agreed Top 10 research priorities are the culmination of a rigorous and inclusive process. It began with a national survey inviting people affected by neuroendocrine cancer, their carers, and the healthcare professionals who support them to submit the unanswered questions they felt future research should address. More than 1,000 questions were received, reviewed, and refined into a shortlist.
This shortlist was then prioritised through a second national survey before being discussed at the final James Lind Alliance workshop, where people with lived experience, carers, and clinicians worked together as equal partners to agree the final Top 10 priorities.
Five years of impact: see the difference we've made together
It's not just the first six months of 2026 that we're reflecting on this month. We are delighted to have launched our NCUK Impact Report 2020–2025, showcasing the difference we have made together over the past five years for people affected by neuroendocrine cancer.
The report highlights our achievements across patient support, education, awareness, research, advocacy and community engagement. From expanding support services and improving access to information, to amplifying patient voices and influencing improvements in care, the report demonstrates how our community has come together to make a lasting impact.
Our ambassadors play a crucial role in supporting and advancing NCUK's mission. This month we're delighted to introduce our new Ambassador Chair, Chrissie, and new Ambassador, Rachel.
Meet Chrissie Barlow
We're delighted to introduce Chrissie Barlow as the new Chair of Neuroendocrine Cancer UK's Ambassador Network.
A valued Ambassador for several years, Chrissie brings a wealth of experience, passion and commitment to supporting the neuroendocrine cancer community.
Meet Rachel Wood
"I had never heard of neuroendocrine cancer until I was diagnosed. Neither, it seemed, had the gastroenterology consultant who delivered my diagnosis..."
We are also grateful to ambassadors Martin Tetlaw and Kath Lewis (pictured) who, along with Martin's wife Nicky, were invited into University Hospital North Midlands in June to man a Neuroendocrine Cancer UK stand to raise awareness of our services.
Focus on fundraising
We are so grateful to all the people who have committed to making a regular donation recently. This is one of the most effective ways to support our work.
Regular giving allows us to plan ahead, expand our services, and provide ongoing support to people when they need it the most. Even a small monthly contribution can make a real difference to the lives of people affected by neuroendocrine cancer.
Every pound raised helps us be there for people affected by neuroendocrine cancer.
Unlike many health charities, Neuroendocrine Cancer UK receives no government or NHS funding, and we don't benefit from the resources of the larger cancer charities. That means every donation, fundraising challenge and act of generosity has a direct impact on the support, information and advocacy we provide.
Our latest Fundraising Newsletter is packed with inspiring stories from the incredible people who are raising funds in creative and meaningful ways, including Jasmine Irving and the Edinburgh Institute of Insurance & Financial Planning (both pictured above).
If you're feeling inspired to get involved, visit our fundraising page to discover the many ways you can support our work. Or, if you'd like to make an ongoing difference, set up a regular donation here.
To everyone who supports Neuroendocrine Cancer UK – thank you. Your generosity, passion and commitment are helping us make a real difference to people living with neuroendocrine cancer.
Join our team
We’re delighted to announce a new opportunity to join the Neuroendocrine Cancer UK team as an Administration Co-ordinator (Organisational Support).
For more information and to apply, please click here.
Closing date 19 August 2026.
