Cancer is cancer, whether in people or pets, says expert

One in Four Dogs Will Die of Cancer - #1 Cause of Death in Dogs Over Age Two


Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) has launched a $30 million effort to cure canine cancer within a dog's lifetime - the next 10 to 20 years.

World-renowned specialists agree that this effort will not only save countless dogs from premature death, but should also help produce breakthroughs for human cancers – in particular childhood cancers.

Endorsement of this initiative has been received from: Children's Oncology Group, Animal Cancer Foundation, MIT/Harvard (Broad Institute), and the Mayo Clinic.

This global cancer cure initiative is attracting major corporate support, including a $1.1 million donation from Pfizer Animal Health for a canine tumor tissue bank, to help researchers uncover new cancer therapies.

"One in four dogs will die of cancer. Cancer is the number one cause of disease-related death in dogs over the age of two. Sadly, many of the most popular dog breeds are especially susceptible to developing cancer. Your donation may very well save your own beloved pet dog from suffering cancer’s effects,” states Dr. Patricia N. Olson, CEO and president of MAF.

"This is the ultimate win-win situation," says Dr. Olson. "As we treat and cure cancer in our pet dogs, we may help alleviate the ravages of cancer among humans. This animal-human bond is simply inspirational."

To learn more, visit: www.curecaninecancer.org.

According to Dr. Stephen Withrow, director of the world's largest Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University, "Dramatic progress has been made in the last several decades on understanding the causes and treatment of cancer.

“Cancer is cancer regardless of species; discoveries in either dogs or humans will have rapid acceptance in the other species." says Dr. Withrow. "Humans really are the dog's best friend. For example, surgical and chemotherapeutic techniques in dog's bone cancer have helped guide treatment in children and visa versa."

The National Cancer Institute, the global leader in human cancer research, has included the study of cancer in dogs within its Comparative Oncology Program since 2003. NCI's Comparative Oncology Program integrates the study of cancer biology and therapy in dogs with the broader cancer research community.

Dr. Richard Gorlick, Children's Oncology Group, whose members treat 90 percent of all children with cancer in North America, says canine-human research is invaluable.

"Cancer in pet dogs strongly resembles the cancers we see in pediatric patients. We strongly support MAF's initiative and believe that results will be ultimately helpful for both children and canine cancer patients."


All Dogs Face Serious Cancer Threat -- These Breeds Are Most Susceptible
Bernese Mountain Dog: Histiocytic sarcoma (soft tissues)
Boxer: Lymphoma (lymph nodes) Brain Cancer
Cocker Spaniel: Lymphoma (lymph nodes)
Golden Retriever: Lymphoma (lymph nodes), Hemangiosarcoma (blood vessels/spleen); 60% of golden retrievers die of cancer
Labrador Retriever: Lymphoma (lymph nodes), Hemangiosarcoma (blood vessels/spleen)
English Springer Spaniel: Mammary gland (breast)
Pug: Mast Cell (skin)
Shar-pei: Mast Cell (skin)
Greyhound: Osteosarcoma (bone)
Rottweiler: Osteosarcoma (bone)
Any large or giant breed: Osteosarcoma (bone)
Collie: Nasal Cancer
Scottish Terrier: Transitional cell carcinoma (bladder), Melanoma (skin/mouth)
Chow Chow: Stomach Cancer
Flat-coated Retriever: Transitional cell carcinoma (bladder), Melanoma (skin/mouth)