Liver Cancer

Veterinary Pet Insurance Kicks Off Third Annual Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Liver Cancer Library Library Home This article was published in Clinical Oncology Week, which you can subscribe to online.

"Nearly a quarter of all pets will develop cancer, and the diagnosis and ensuing treatment costs may take pet owners by surprise," said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. "Our goal at VPI is to educate pet owners that pet cancer is more common than they might realize. We want pet owners to be able to pursue optimal veterinary treatment for their pet, should their pet be diagnosed with cancer. More importantly, we want to empower pet owners in our mutual fight against pet cancer."

VPI claims data from 2006 reveals that the most common cancers in dogs were lymphosarcoma (a cancer affecting the lymph system), skin tumors and osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer). Cats similarly suffered from lymphosarcoma and skin tumors, but showed higher rates than dogs for breast cancer and leukemia. Claims data from 2005 showed almost identical trends in cancer disease rates in pets. Combined cancer claims were the fourth most common canine and feline medical claims submitted in 2006. The total number of canine and feline cancer-related claims in 2006 was 21,881.

"Successful treatment of pet cancer depends on early detection," said McConnell. "Routine physical exams are essential for every pet. Additionally, pet owners should regularly monitor pets for symptoms that could indicate a cancerous condition. Clinical signs of cancer include sudden weight loss, non- healing lumps or sores, an increase or decrease in appetite, difficulty chewing or swallowing, unusually strong bodily odors, and/or exercise intolerance."

VPI Pet Insurance can help defray veterinary costs for testing and treatments should a pet develop cancer. Plans provide coverage for X-rays or biopsies to detect or assess the spread of cancer, surgery to remove cancerous growths, and radiation or chemotherapy treatments. VPI's cancer coverage is renewable each year of a pet's policy, providing there are no lapses in coverage. Medical coverage also includes benefits for secondary conditions and complications related to cancer.

Protecting a pet with a medical plan has significantly helped some of VPI's policyholders pay for costly cancer treatments. Susan Paloczy from San Antonio, Texas, discovered her mixed-breed dog Sara had developed liver cancer. Sara's tumor was removed surgically, followed by a course of medication. The total initial treatment was approximately $1,044. VPI has reimbursed more than half that amount, helping to pay for the testing procedures and surgery.

For the month of November, visitors to petinsurance.com will have the opportunity to purchase exclusive Pet Cancer Awareness dog collars, with all profits going directly toward advancing the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancers in pets and people. Designed specifically for Pet Cancer Awareness Month, VPI's Pet Cancer Awareness dog collars consist of a gold buckle and animal-friendly tan band lined with lavender "awareness" ribbons in recognition of pet cancer victims and survivors. The collars are available in sizes small (10 to 14 inches) to extra large (24 to 28 inches) and range in price from $23 to $33. All profits made from the collars will be donated to the Animal Cancer Foundation, which develops and supports research to advance the prevention and treatment of cancer for people and pets.

Pet caregivers can find more information on early warning signs of cancer and how pet insurance can help protect against treatment costs associated with cancer by visiting petinsurance.com/cancer.

Keywords: Bone Cancer, Breast Cancer, Breast Carcinoma, Health Insurance, Liver Cancer, Liver Carcinoma, Lymphosarcoma, Oncology, Osteosarcoma, Women's Health, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.