Human Cancers:
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death. Cancer is caused by both external factors (tobacco, chemicals, radiation, and infectious organisms) and internal factors (inherited mutations, hormones, immune conditions, and mutation that occur from metabolism). Causal factors may act together or in sequence to initiate or promote cancer development.

About 1,300,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in 2003. This year about 550,000 Americans are expected to die of cancer, more than 1,500 people a day. Cancer is now the number 1 leading cause of death in the U.S. exceeding even heart disease in 2004. In the U.S., 1 out of every 4 deaths is attributable to cancer.

The National Institutes of Health estimate overall costs for cancer in the year 2002 at $171.6 billion. $60.9 billion for direct medical costs (total of all health expenditures) and $15.5 billion for indirect morbidity costs (cost of lost productivity due to premature death). An estimated 250,000 new cases of breast cancer in women and 220,000 new cases of prostate cancer in men occurred in 2003.

Companion Animal Cancers:
There are 65 million pet dogs and nearly 78 million pet cats in the United States, most of whom are considered part of the family. U.S. expenditure on veterinary care for pets in 2004 has grown over previous years and is estimated at $8.3 billion with an additional $7.9 billion in supplies and medicine (APPMA 2003/2004 National Pet Owner’s Survey). Companion animals are living longer and healthier lives, but are also experiencing a higher frequency of disease. Diagnosis of disease occurs more commonly in the late stages of life.

Cancer is the number one cause of natural death in senior dogs and cats and accounts for nearly 50% of deaths each year. One of the most common forms of canine cancer, lymphosarcoma, has an annual incidence of approximately 100,000 new cases. Dogs in fact experience approximately the same rate of cancer as humans do, although the prevalence is slightly lower with cats. It is notable however, that of the other common geriatric veterinary diseases (e.g. congestive heart failure, renal failure and diabetes mellitus), cancer is the most treatable. Treatments include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Treatment success is often a function of how progressed the cancer is at time of diagnosis.

Given the frequency of these diseases and the lengths to which pet owners will go to keep their animals healthy and happy into their senior years, the availability of a simple screening tool and monitoring method that would detect cancers would be extremely helpful for the future of veterinary medicine. This test could be used as part of a senior wellness evaluation, or as part of routine follow-up after detecting symptoms.

Current Diagnosis Methods:
Current methods for diagnosis include costly imaging techniques and invasive procedures. Evaluation of the success of therapy is accomplished by using routine biochemistry and hematology testing, imaging and analysis of symptoms. Early detection and treatment would provide the best odds of attaining remission.