Can Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors Be Prevented?

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At this time, there is no known way to prevent gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors. Since smoking might increase the risk of carcinoid 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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The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team

Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as editors and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.

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;13:27–34.

Last Revised: September 24, 2018

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