AKC Canine Health Foundation Highlights Oncology Resources and Research Updates During Pet Cancer Awareness Month
Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) April 30, 2014 -- Pet Cancer Awareness Month begins tomorrow, and throughout the month of May the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) will provide news and information to help educate dog owners about the cutting-edge research and improved treatment options in the field of canine cancer.
“All dogs, whether mixed breed or purebred, are at risk for developing cancer,” said Dr. Shila Nordone, CHF Chief Scientific Officer. “Our goal during Pet Cancer Awareness Month is to provide dog owners with information about ongoing research studies that are working to find better treatments for our dogs,” said Nordone.
Since 1995 CHF has awarded 188 oncology grants and funded nearly $10.7 million in canine cancer research. Scientists are studying lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma and other common canine cancers, providing veterinarians with better tools to diagnose cancer earlier and to treat it more effectively. Many of the CHF-funded research studies have One Health implications, impacting the study and treatment of cancer in humans.
As part of the Pet Cancer Awareness Month (PCAM) campaign, CHF is collecting photos from the public of their canine cancer fighting superheroes. Photos depicting a dog’s brave fight against cancer can be submitted to chfdonate(at)akcchf(dot)org. CHF will feature photos of canine cancer superheroes on social media throughout May. Submissions should include the dog owner’s name, the dog’s name, and optionally the type of cancer.
Dog owners are also encouraged to take a brief 5-minute survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/cancer-treatment to share their thoughts on cancer treatment for dogs. Data collected from this survey will be used to help CHF, researchers, and veterinary specialists better understand what factors are involved in the decision to treat a family pet for cancer.
PCAM runs May 1 - 31 and uses social media and online outreach, podcasts and website features to promote CHF-funded research and educational resources. Webinars from two leading canine oncologists – Dr. Matthew Breen of North Carolina State University and Dr. Jaime Modiano of the University of Minnesota – will be released during PCAM and will highlight the important strides being made in the field of canine cancer research.
Dog owners and dog lovers can impact the future of canine cancer research by making a donation to CHF. New or lapsed donors who have not given to CHF since December 31, 2011 will have their contributions matched dollar for dollar. During 2014 the American Kennel Club will match up to $500,000 of eligible donations made to CHF.
For more information about Pet Cancer Awareness Month or to make donations to support canine health research, visit http://www.akcchf.org/cancer.
To keep up-to-date on podcast releases, articles, and facts during Pet Cancer Awareness Month, like CHF on Facebook, follow CHF on Twitter at @CanineHealthFnd, or connect with CHF on LinkedIn.
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About CHF
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping dogs live longer, healthier lives by funding research that helps prevent, treat, and cure canine disease. Established in 1995, CHF’s mission is to advance the health of all dogs and their owners by funding sound, scientific research and supporting the dissemination of canine health information. Through the generous support of the American Kennel Club, Nestlé Purina PetCare, Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health), dog clubs, and dog owners worldwide, CHF has dedicated more than $40 million to canine health research projects and education programs. Visit CHF online at http://www.akcchf.org for more information.
Sharla Seidel, AKC Canine Health Foundation, http://www.akcchf.org, +1 (919) 334-4014, [email protected]
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