November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month
Brea, California (PRWEB) November 07, 2013 -- In 2012, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, received more than 55,000 claims for cancer diagnosis and treatment in pets – making cancer-related conditions collectively one of the most common type of medical claim received. In fact, last year, VPI policyholders spent more than $20 million on the top 10 cancer-related conditions. In a continuing effort to educate pet owners about the prevalence, detection and treatment of pet cancer, VPI again recognizes November as National Pet Cancer Awareness Month.
Throughout the month of November, VPI will donate $5 to the Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF), up to $10,000, for every photo, story or statistic shared on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using #CurePetCancer. For more information about the campaign, visit http://www.curepetcancer.com.
Partnering with the Animal Cancer Foundation, VPI will also host the seventh annual VPI K9K Pet Cancer Awareness Walk on Nov. 9, 2013 in Long Beach, Calif., to raise funds for pet cancer research. To date, VPI has raised more than $160,000 to benefit the ACF.
VPI launched National Pet Cancer Awareness Month in 2005, calling attention to the number one disease-related killer of dogs. Below are the 10 most common cancer-related claims received by VPI last year:
Cancerous Conditions
1. Lymphosarcoma or Lymphoma
2. Skin Cancer (Malignant Skin Neoplasia)
3. Splenic (Spleen) Cancer
4. Bone or Joint Cancer
5. Hepatic (Liver) Cancer
6. Thoracic (Chest) Cancer
7. Bladder Cancer
8. Brain or Spinal Cord Cancer
9. Peritoneal (Membrane Lining the Walls of the Abdominal and Pelvic Cavities) Cancer
10. Anal Gland (Sac) Cancer
Treating these pet cancers can be a heavy financial burden for pet owners.
Lymphosarcoma or Lymphoma was the most expensive condition on the list, costing policyholders an average of $2,281 per pet.
To ensure that VPI policyholders are able to pursue optimal cancer treatment, VPI’s medical policies include benefits for the diagnosis and treatment of cancerous conditions, including chemotherapy, radiation and metastasis screening.
VPI received 7,000 more cancer-related claims in 2012 compared to 2011. "With cancer so prevalent among companion animals, it’s vital that pet owners recognize the signs and symptoms of cancer in their pets," said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. "Many people don’t know that advances in treatment can save pets’ lives, and that there are financial options available to help pay for those treatments."
Pet Cancer Detection Tips
To detect cancer early, pet owners should be attentive to any growing lump or sore that fails to heal. They should also monitor their pet for 1) drastic changes in the pet’s appetite or weight; 2) unusually strong odors coming from a pet; 3) discharge or bleeding from any body opening; 4) difficulty chewing or swallowing; or 5) an unwillingness to exercise.
Further detection tips and information on National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, as well as registration information for the Long Beach VPI K9K Pet Cancer Awareness Walk, can be found by visiting http://www.petinsurance.com/cancer. For more information on the Animal Cancer Foundation, please go to acfoundation.org.
About Veterinary Pet Insurance
With more than 500,000 pets insured nationwide, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency (VPI) is a member of the Nationwide Insurance family of companies and is the oldest and largest pet health insurance company in the United States. Since 1982, VPI has helped provide pet owners with peace of mind and is committed to being the trusted choice of America’s pet lovers.
VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. CareGuard® coverage for routine care is available for an additional premium. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Additionally, one in three Fortune 500 companies offers VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are offered and administered by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and DVM Insurance Agency in all other states. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Brea, CA, an A.M. Best A rated company (2012); National Casualty Company (all other states), Madison, WI, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2012). Pet owners can find VPI Pet Insurance on Facebook or follow @VPI on Twitter. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.
About Animal Cancer Foundation
Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for cancer by funding research in and increasing public awareness of comparative oncology, the study of naturally occurring cancers in pets and people. ACF provides research grants to medical and veterinary oncology professionals studying comparative oncology models. ACF does not fund studies that would induce cancer in pets. Clinical trials are offered to pet owners in their local oncology practices. ACF serves as a preeminent resource in educating the public and scientific communities to the value of the comparative oncology model not only to discover valuable new ways to treat cancer in pets, but that these advances may lead to more effective, less toxic therapies for people.
Media Relations, Veterinary Pet Insurance, http://www.petinsurance.com, (714) 706-5520, [email protected]
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