Can Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors Be Prevented?
At this time, there is no known way to prevent gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. Since smoking might increase the risk of neuroendocrine tumors of the small intestine, not starting or quitting smoking may reduce the risk for this disease. More studies are needed to know for sure.
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Developed by the ÌÇÐÄTV¹ÙÍø Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the ÌÇÐÄTV¹ÙÍø Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Hassan MM, Phan A, Li D, Dagohoy CG, Leary C, Yao JC. Risk factors associated with neuroendocrine tumors: A U.S.-based case-control study. Int J Cancer. 2008 Aug 15;123(4):867-73. doi: 10.1002/ijc.23529.
Kaerlev L, Teglbjaerg PS, Sabroe S, et al. The importance of smoking and medical history for development of small bowel carcinoid tumor: a European population-based case-control study. Cancer Causes Control. 2002;13:27¨C34.
Last Revised: August 8, 2025
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