November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness, dispel myths, and remind pet owners that cancer doesn’t always mean the end. With early detection and advanced veterinary care, many pets with cancer can live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, we want pet owners to know that cancer is not a death sentence. There are a wide range of treatment options—from surgery to chemotherapy to palliative care—and each plan is tailored to your pet’s specific needs and quality of life.
Related reading: 10 Common Misconceptions About Pet Cancer Treatment | Top 10 Warning Signs of Cancer in Pets
Early Detection and the “See Something, Do Something” Rule
Dr. Sarah Charney, one of our board-certified oncologists, stresses that early detection saves lives. Skin and subcutaneous (under the skin) tumors are common, making up 25–43% of biopsies in dogs and cats. While many of these growths are benign, studies show that up to 40% can be malignant.
The only way to know for sure whether a lump is dangerous is to test it early. Delayed diagnosis allows tumors to grow larger, invade nearby tissue, and limit the possibility of complete surgical removal. In contrast, cancers identified early are often treatable—and sometimes curable—with surgery alone.
That is why we encourage the “See Something, Do Something” rule:
- See Something: If your pet has a lump the size of a pea (1 cm) or larger, and it has been there for one month or more, it should not be ignored.
- Do Something: Ask your veterinarian to perform a fine needle aspiration (FNA) or biopsy.
This simple guideline—sometimes remembered as #WhyWaitAspirate—can mean the difference between a straightforward surgery and a life-threatening diagnosis.
Common Myths About Pet Cancer
- “It’s probably just a fatty lump.” While many lumps are benign, nearly 40% of skin and subcutaneous tumors can be malignant. No one can determine which is which simply by appearance or touch. Testing is essential.
- “It hasn’t changed, so it must be fine.” Not all malignant tumors grow quickly. Some cancers can remain small for months while still posing serious health risks. Stability in size does not guarantee safety.
- “My pet is too old for surgery or cancer treatment.” Age alone should not determine whether a pet receives treatment. Many senior pets tolerate surgery, chemotherapy, or other therapies well. The decision should be based on overall health and quality of life—not just age.
- “Chemotherapy will make my pet sick, just like in people.” In veterinary oncology, the goal of chemotherapy is to extend life while preserving quality of life. Most pets experience minimal side effects, and treatment is carefully tailored to avoid undue suffering.
- “If my pet has cancer, there is nothing that can be done.” This is one of the most harmful misconceptions. Many cancers can be treated effectively, giving pets months or even years of good quality life. In some cases, early surgery alone can be curative.
- “I’ll wait and see if the lump goes away.” Some malignant tumors may appear small at first but can spread or become inoperable if ignored. Waiting only decreases the likelihood of successful treatment.
Read more here: 10 Common Misconceptions About Pet Cancer Treatment
How You Can Protect Your Pet
- Perform monthly lump checks during grooming or cuddle time, and track any changes in size or shape.
- Schedule regular veterinary visits so your veterinarian can monitor suspicious findings.
- Follow the SSDS rule: See Something, Do Something. Even if a lump turns out to be harmless, you will have the peace of mind of knowing you acted early.
Final Thoughts
Cancer in pets is frightening, but it doesn’t always mean the end. Thanks to advances in veterinary oncology, many pets live longer and maintain a good quality of life with early diagnosis and treatment.
At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, our oncology team works closely with pet owners and family veterinarians to provide options, hope, and compassionate care. The key is not to wait—early detection is the most powerful tool we have in the fight against cancer.
