AKC Canine Health Foundation Highlights Oncology Resources and Research Updates During Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Pet Cancer Awareness Month begins tomorrow, and throughout the month of May the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) will provide news and information to help educate dog owners about the cutting-edge research and improved treatment options in the field of canine cancer.

“All dogs, whether mixed breed or purebred, are at risk for developing cancer,” said Dr. Shila Nordone, CHF Chief Scientific Officer. “Our goal during Pet Cancer Awareness Month is to provide dog owners with information about ongoing research studies that are working to find better treatments for our dogs,” said Nordone.

Since 1995 CHF has awarded 188 oncology grants and funded nearly $10.7 million in canine cancer research. Scientists are studying lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma and other common canine cancers, providing veterinarians with better tools to diagnose cancer earlier and to treat it more effectively. Many of the CHF-funded research studies have One Health implications, impacting the study and treatment of cancer in humans.

As part of the Pet Cancer Awareness Month (PCAM) campaign, CHF is collecting photos from the public of their canine cancer fighting superheroes. Photos depicting a dog’s brave fight against cancer can be submitted to chfdonate@akcchf.org. CHF will feature photos of canine cancer superheroes on social media throughout May. Submissions should include the dog owner’s name, the dog’s name, and optionally the type of cancer.

Dog owners are also encouraged to take a brief 5-minute survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/cancer-treatment  to share their thoughts on cancer treatment for dogs. Data collected from this survey will be used to help CHF, researchers, and veterinary specialists better understand what factors are involved in the decision to treat a family pet for cancer.

PCAM runs May 1 – 31 and uses social media and online outreach, podcasts and website features to promote CHF-funded research and educational resources. Webinars from two leading canine oncologists – Dr. Matthew Breen of North Carolina State University and Dr. Jaime Modiano of the University of Minnesota – will be released during PCAM and will highlight the important strides being made in the field of canine cancer research.

Dog owners and dog lovers can impact the future of canine cancer research by making a donation to CHF. New or lapsed donors who have not given to CHF since December 31, 2011 will have their contributions matched dollar for dollar. During 2014 the American Kennel Club will match up to $500,000 of eligible donations made to CHF.

Visit CHF’s website for more information about Pet Cancer Awareness Month or to make donations to support canine health research.

Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=47778

Posted by chesliepickett on Apr 30 2014. Filed under Featured, Health & Training. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.