The Importance of Pet Cancer Awareness

Is your dog or cat at risk of getting cancer? It’s an unpleasant question to think about, of course. But it’s an important one. We all want our pets to be happy and healthy throughout their lives. Not only can a sick pet be emotionally and financially draining for the entire family, but an unexpected cancer diagnosis can leave us quickly feeling unsure of what the future holds.

Similar to the world of human medicine, early diagnosis and intervention are often key to your pet’s survival. That said, pet cancer treatment comes with unique challenges that all pet owners should be aware of.

The difficulties of treating cancer in pets

Diagnosing a dog or cat with cancer can be quite tricky. Since animals are unable to speak to us about any pain or new sensations they may be feeling, it can be tough to catch abnormalities in early stages.

"How a pet is diagnosed with cancer depends somewhat on the type of cancer, as some types of cancer present with a mass and others do not,” explains Trupanion veterinarian Dr. Sarah Nold. “Some masses are located externally, such as on the skin or in the mouth, and can be more easily examined.”

Another difficulty with pet cancer is one that isn’t often talked about—a pet’s prognosis often depends on their owner’s finances.

As veterinary oncology (pet cancer treatment and research) has become more advanced, treatments have become more effective and complex, often involving equipment that is similar to cancer treatment in humans. Treatment of cancer in dogs and cats can therefore be very expensive. And without a good pet insurance plan in place, many families have to make the difficult choice between keeping their budget afloat and getting their pet life-saving treatment.

How common is cancer in dogs and cats?

Though any cat or dog can get cancer, it is more common in older pets. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs have about as much risk as humans do when it comes to cancer, with nearly half of geriatric dogs (those over the age of 10) developing cancer at some point.

Though there is less information readily available on the prevalence of cancer in cats, certain types of cancer, like lymphoma, may be more commonly found in felines than in canines.

Trupanion pet cancer data

Trupanion pet insurance claims data shows that over 200,000 dog and cat cancer claims have been paid out since 2018 alone. These are the average amounts Trupanion pays out each year for common forms of cancer (and related conditions) in pets:

• Carcinoma — $110,200 for cats; $1,184,500 for dogs
• Mass — $913,666 for cats; $14,058,300 for dogs
• Lymphoma — $840,800 for cats; $3,637,500 for dogs
• Osteosarcoma — $59,166 for cats; $1,941,300 for dogs

Signs of cancer in dogs and cats

Pet cancer can affect virtually any part of the body. And according to Nold, the signs of cancer in dogs and cats can vary from pet to pet, as well as on the type of cancer and its stage. Nevertheless, any change in your pet’s behavior or sign of discomfort merits seeking medical care.

There are many illnesses and injuries that can mimic the signs of cancer, but it’s crucial to get a proper diagnosis. Make an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice any of the following signs:

• New lumps or bumps
• Sores that won’t heal
• Swollen lymph nodes (typically most noticeable under the jaw, front of shoulders, and on the backs of your pet’s knees)
• Unexplained vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Limping
• Change of behavior

Pet cancer treatment options

The exact treatments available to your pet will depend on a number of factors, including the type of cancer and its stage.

“Some types of cancer can be treated with only surgical removal,” Nold says. “Others may require more extensive treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.”

Your veterinarian may also refer your pet to a veterinary oncology specialist. Ultimately the best course of treatment also depends on your pet and what you and your veterinarian feel is best.

“In some cases you and your veterinarian may decide that the ‘gold standard’ for treatment may not be tolerated by your pet or isn’t available locally,” Nold adds.

When is Pet Cancer Awareness Month?

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spread valuable information about the myths, risks and challenges associated with cancer in dogs and cats. Even if your pet is healthy, it’s also a good time to think about what you would do if they were suddenly diagnosed with a serious illness and evaluate whether or not your finances will allow for treatment. If you don’t have a quality pet insurance plan in place, the best time to get coverage is when your pet is healthy (learn about pre-existing conditions).

Illnesses don’t pick and choose when they’re going to strike, so it’s important to practice awareness year-round. Talk with your veterinarian about your pet’s risk, and make an appointment right away if you have any concerns.