Pet Cancer Awareness Month: raising awareness and advancing veterinary oncology training
November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to bringing attention to one of the most critical health issues affecting pets today. As cancer becomes one of the leading causes of death in pets, it’s essential to raise awareness, encourage early detection, and promote veterinary oncology training.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), cancer affects approximately one in four dogs and a significant number of cats, especially as they age. Just like in humans, cancer in pets can affect various body systems and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to improve the animal’s quality of life and survival rate. Raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of pet cancer, treatment advancements, and supportive care options can be lifesaving.
How veterinarians and pet owners can work together for better outcomes
Pet Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of the vet-owner relationship in managing a pet’s cancer journey. For pet owners, the challenge of handling a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, so veterinarians play a crucial role in guiding them through treatment options, prognosis, and end-of-life decisions if needed. Veterinary oncology training prepares Veterinarians to answer questions about treatment risks, side effects, costs, and expected outcomes.
The growing need for specialized veterinary oncology training
As pet cancer diagnoses become more common, so does the need for specialized veterinary oncology education. Traditionally, veterinarians undergo broad-spectrum training, covering a wide range of medical conditions and treatments. However, cancer treatment requires specialized knowledge, including familiarity with oncology drugs, diagnostic imaging techniques, surgical procedures, and palliative care approaches. Veterinary oncology training allows veterinarians to either expand their in-house capabilities or refer patients with confidence to specialized veterinary oncologists.
This need has led to the development of specialized programs focused on veterinary oncology. These programs, such as the General Practitioner Certificate program in Oncology accredited by ISVPS, equips veterinarians with the tools and expertise needed to accurately diagnose and treat cancer in pets. With access to veterinary oncology training, veterinarians can play a more active role in cancer care, improving outcomes and quality of life for their patients.
Overview of our Veterinary Oncology Training program
Our comprehensive Oncology program is designed to meet the growing demand for specialized training in pet cancer diagnosis and treatment. The course is structured to provide both theoretical and practical knowledge, covering a wide range of topics essential for veterinarians who wish to improve their oncology skills. Delegates can expect to learn about cancer biology, diagnostic imaging techniques, treatment options, pain management, and the latest advancements in veterinary oncology.
The course structure is intended to accommodate busy veterinarians, offering 100% online training. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the skills needed to manage complex cancer cases, make informed decisions about treatments, and effectively communicate with pet owners about their options.
Also, as you enroll in this program you’ll receive the brand-new Manual of Small Animal Oncology! This comprehensive guide offers: in-depth theoretical knowledge; practical applications; up-to-date research and self-assessment exercises.
It’s also been recommended by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) for obtaining the General Practitioner Certificate in Oncology, recognized in more than twenty countries
Find out more about the program HERE.
Source: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/cancer-pets
