The 10 Most Common Pet Cancers

Every year in the United States, millions of pets are diagnosed with and treated for cancer. Between 2003 and 2009 alone, VPI policyholders spent more than $51.2 million treating the 10 most common cancerous conditions in their pets. Many pet owners don’t know their pets can get cancer, and others simply underestimate the cost of treating cancer in their pet or are unaware there are treatments available. Below are the 10 most common pet cancers by claims received at VPI between 2003 and 2009:

1. Lymphosarcoma 34,457
2. Mast Cell Tumor 19,249
3. Bone Cancer 10,120
4. Cancer of the Eyelid 7,696
5. Cancer of the Spleen 7,283
6. Liver Cancer 6,198
7. Fibrosarcoma 5,542
8. Cancer of the Thorax 5,289
9. Oral Cancer 4,362
10. Hemangiopericytoma 4,351

Treating these pet cancers can be a heavy burden and often catch pet owners by surprise. The most expensive form of cancer, bone cancer, cost policyholders an average of $2,304 per claim. Six years ago, VPI designated November as Pet Cancer Awareness Month to help raise awareness about pet cancer prevalence, detection, and treatment.

We hope through our efforts, and with your help, we can make a difference in the fight against pet cancer.