Because the cause of cancer is largely unknown, preventing cancer is generally not possible. In veterinary medicine, the best strategy is to detect and treat cancer early. If your animal has a lump or growth, have it evaluated by a veterinarian. Don t just wait and see if it will get any bigger. When cancer is found early, it can usually be treated more effectively.
Cancer is the most common natural cause of death in dogs and cats in the United States.
It is also the most curable of all chronic diseases. An individual s ability to resist cancer-causing substances in the environment undoubtedly includes a genetic component. At present, however, the ability to identify the genetic component of cancer risk is limited. As genetic knowledge advances, genetic studies will begin to have greater relevance for cancer screening and prevention. One way of obtaining cells for cytology is by removing cells from a tumor using a small hypodermic needle.