10 Aug Taking Charge of Canine Cancer
Story Highlights
- 30 million Americans have had a dog experience cancer in the past 10 years
- Canine cancer has a considerable impact on dog owners’ wellbeing
- Consistent data are needed on canine cancer treatment and care
Cancer in humans is taken very seriously. Numerous well-funded campaigns raise awareness, hundreds of thousands of dedicated professionals develop and administer treatments, and ensuring the relative comfort of cancer patients is a top priority.
But cancer is also a common affliction affecting many animals, including the pets many Americans hold dear. In fact, canine cancer — cancer affecting dogs — is a common experience that a substantial number of Americans face.
According to recent research, as many as 67% of Americans currently own or have owned a pet dog in the past 10 years. Of these dog owners, nearly one in five — equating to approximately 30 million Americans — report that at least one of their dogs has experienced cancer, confirming that canine cancer is affecting a lot of dogs — and a lot of people.
Gallup and Jaguar Health Bring the Problem Into Focus
Gallup recently partnered with Jaguar Health and the Take C.H.A.R.G.E. (Canine Health and Registry Exchange) coalition to contribute to the much-needed effort to address the impacts of canine cancer. As part of this effort, Gallup conducted the first large-scale nationally representative study to understand Americans’ experiences with canine cancer — the Take C.H.A.R.G.E. Canine Cancer Survey.
Giving a voice to this under researched experience is a critical step in helping to take charge of canine cancer by shedding light on:
- the extent of canine cancer and its effects on both dogs and their owners
- the decisions dog owners make about their dog’s health and cancer treatment
- potential areas of opportunity for improving care and support