Introduction
Cancer is the leading cause of canine death, affecting up to 1 in 3 dogs. Early cancer detection can save lives by allowing for surgical removal of localized malignancies. Non-invasive pan-cancer screening tests are being developed for humans and may soon be available for dogs.
Methods
Two independent dog owner surveys were conducted by GroupSolver (n=2,004) and Frost & Sullivan (n=506). Similar open- and closed-ended questions in each survey focused on cancer awareness, willingness to treat, and trusted information sources.
Results
Survey results were comparable, with 61–73% correctly perceiving canine cancer as a common problem. Most owners see value in early cancer screening, and the majority (53–60%) would pursue some form of intervention with an early cancer diagnosis, including surgery and/or chemotherapy. Owners are generally willing to treat early stage cancer, with an average willingness to spend of $3,455, including 18% willing to spend over $5,000. Willingness to pursue cancer screening in their canine companions was more highly associated with pet humanization and bonding than educational or income level. Both surveys conclusively identified the veterinarian as the most trusted information source (78–83%) followed by family/friends, pet stores and websites.
Conclusion
Most dog owners are aware of the high risk of cancer in dogs, and the value of early detection for achieving better outcomes. Importantly, the most trusted source of information about health and wellness screening is the veterinarian. Novel pan-cancer screening tests, when available, are likely to be adopted by a significant proportion of dog owners.
Funding Information
This study was funded by PetDx.