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EARLY CANCER DETECTION IN PETS
Cancer.
That single word is perhaps the most dreaded diagnosis, the most loathed pair of syllables in all of human or veterinary medicine. But no matter how much we despise it and how much it makes us want to run and hide, we must face its reality.
With average estimations ranging from one in five to one in three pets experiencing cancer in their lifetime, we must stand and fight.
And despite an arsenal of chemotherapeutic drugs, radiation, and anti-cancer therapies, our best offense is still the same: early detection.
Cancer’s path[ology] of destruction
Cancer occurs when normal cells undergo genetic mutations and begin growing and multiplying. The abnormal and rapidly multiplying cells can form a mass or tumor that interferes with normal organ function. Additionally, some cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma, originate in the blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes and compromise the body’s ability to fight infection and transport oxygen. Eventually, cancer cells can spread (i.e., metastasize) to other areas via the blood. This unregulated growth can disrupt vital organs and tissues, leading to serious health complications and death.
The Advantage of Early Cancer Detection in Pets
As you can imagine, pets with fewer cancer cells at diagnosis generally have better outcomes. This is because when cancer is detected early, it is less likely to metastasize and, depending on its type and location, may be managed with targeted treatment such as radiation or surgical excision (i.e., removal). When cancer is detected early, veterinary oncologists may be able to use less invasive or less aggressive treatment options with greater efficacy.
In the event that your pet’s cancer is incurable, early detection may increase their likelihood for successful remission (i.e., clinical absence of cancer cells) with treatment—allowing you and your pet to enjoy more days, weeks, or years together.
Early Cancer Detection in Pets– Strategies you can use right now
Stay one step ahead of cancer with these proactive early-detection techniques.
Regular lump checks
Perform a monthly full-body massage on your pet. This hands-on assessment should feel like a treat for dogs and cats but allows you to look and feel for something sinister. Note suspicious changes such as lumps, bumps, swelling, heat, non-healing lesions, and unusual skin changes. If your pet allows, look inside their mouth and ears, between their toes, and under their tail. Report any abnormal findings to your veterinarian and request a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or biopsy.
Routine wellness exams
Cancer loves to hide, so stay up-to-date on your pet’s yearly or twice-yearly veterinary exams. No matter how healthy your pet appears, nothing replaces a comprehensive hands-on veterinarian-led assessment. The “routine” exam is especially critical for senior pets, as common cancer signs can mimic “old age signs” such as lethargy, weakness, and mobility changes.
Routine blood work and urine testing
Blood work and urinalysis results provide critical information about your pet’s organ function. Because cancer can disrupt many internal processes, abnormal results may be the first indication of underlying disease. Consistent blood and urine testing every 6 to 12 months allows your veterinarian to compare your pet’s results and track subtle, otherwise unnoticeable, changes over time.
Warning sign awareness
Familiarize yourself with common cancer warning signs and seek veterinary care at the first sign of a problem. But, know that these signs can also occur with hundreds of non-cancerous conditions. Always get a diagnosis before assuming the worst.
Signs will also vary by cancer type and location, so err on the side of caution and schedule an appointment for any concerns. Common signs may include:
- Lethargy
- Lumps, bumps, and unusual growths
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Appetite or thirst changes
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Persistent wounds or sores
- Bleeding from the mouth, nose, eyes, or rectum
Cancer screening tests
Innovative cancer screening tools such as the NuQ® Vet Cancer Test are accelerating early cancer detection for young and older pets. The NuQ and similar tests are non-invasive, requiring only a simple blood sample that your veterinarian can collect during your pet’s regular wellness visit. These tests work by screening your pet’s blood for cancer-specific markers. When the marker is detected, the results can also convey information about the suspected stage of your pet’s cancer (e.g., abnormal cells, pre-invasive, invasive, or metastatic). Although such results must always be followed by a complete diagnostic workup—including comprehensive blood and urine testing and imaging such as X-ray or ultrasound—their ability to detect early pre-clinical disease can give veterinarians and pet owners a much-needed advantage for early diagnosis and intervention.
Can we minimize pet cancer risk?
Cancer causes and influences can range wildly from inherited genetic abnormalities to exposure to lawn chemicals and fertilizer. This can make complete prevention impossible—at least for the time being. Fortunately, there are viable ways to reduce your pet’s cancer risk, such as:
- Maintaining appropriate body condition — Overweight and obese pets have a heightened cancer risk. Feed and exercise your pet to maintain a lean and healthy body condition.
- Feeding a healthy, minimally processed diet — Commercial pet food diets may be loaded with harmful preservatives, chemicals, and dangerous aflatoxins. Feed the highest-quality complete and balanced diet your budget allows and add fresh whole foods.
- Minimizing inflammation — Inflammation increases cancer risk and accelerates its destruction. Limit inflammatory processes by feeding your pet natural anti-inflammatories such as omega-3 fatty acids, keeping them lean and fit, and addressing chronic inflammatory processes such as allergies and arthritis with curcumin and boswellia—available in Longevity Plus.
- Supporting the immune system — Your pet’s immune system is the greatest natural asset to their health. Minimize damage by avoiding unnecessary vaccinations, pesticides, and processed pet food. Then, fortify their defenses with antioxidant-rich foods, and immune-boosting supplements such as probiotics, curcumin, and mushrooms.
The first step in standing up to pet cancer begins with you. As your pet’s greatest advocate and protector, you can take effective and practical measures to support their overall health, minimize their risk, and ensure early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
Are you ready to learn more simple yet powerful ways to help your pet enjoy more life in their days, and ideally, more days in their life? Find that and more by downloading our free ebook, exploring our line of dietary supplements, or scheduling a concierge veterinary consultation with Dr. Kevin Toman to unlock the secrets of Helping Pets Live Longer.