We’re here with you every step of the way
We are a support group for people diagnosed/living with adrenocortical carcinoma (often referred to as ‘adrenal cancer’ or ‘ACC’).
It is a rare form of cancer that affects approximately 60-100 people in the UK every year, most commonly adults aged 40+. From diagnosis to treatment to adjusting to life with ACC, we’re here for you.
Who is ACC Support?
We are a collaboration between 2 UK patient groups; AMEND and Neuroendocrine Cancer UK.
Events
We run free patient education events. Meet the team, medical experts, our counsellors and each other.
Keep up to date on research, upcoming events and ongoing support
What is adrenocortical carcinoma?
It is a cancerous tumour of the adrenal glands (the small hormone-producing glands that sit just above your kidneys).
Some adrenal tumours are benign (not cancer). It is only the malignant (cancer) tumours that are classified as adrenocortical carcinomas.
How is ACC treated?
The main treatment is specialist surgery to remove the tumour and any organs it has spread to.
Since adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) are often not diagnosed until the later stages when they have already spread, other drug and chemotherapy therapies are prescribed alongside or instead of surgery.
What are the symptoms of adrenocortical carcinomas?
Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) are usually found because of the symptoms they cause but sometimes they are also found by chance if a patient has a scan for other reasons.
ACCs may make higher than normal amounts of cortisol and aldosterone and may also secrete hormones that a healthy adrenal would not produce – like testosterone or oestradiol.
Living with adrenocortical carcinoma
Life with a rare cancer is hard, and the debilitating effects that adrenocortical carcinomas and their treatments have on your vital hormone levels can make living with ACC particularly challenging for some people.
Our community is here to welcome and support you along that journey.