Early detection means identifying cancer in its earliest stages, before it has grown significantly or spread. The reality is that cancer often begins developing long before we can detect it, which is why early intervention is critical.
WHY EARLY DETECTION IS KEY
By the time cancer is detectable through conventional diagnostics, such as physical exams or imaging, there are already 1 billion cancer cells present. For a tumor to be seen on an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan, it must weigh about 1 gram or be 1 cubic centimeter in size. This means that by the time cancer is visible, it’s already well-established in your dog’s body.
That’s why early detection is so important. These newer screening tests may detect early signs of cancer long before physical symptoms show up, giving you and your vet the opportunity to act quickly and make informed decisions.
CONVENTIONAL DIAGNOSTICS
- Physical Exam: Regular checkups with your vet can help spot any signs of cancer.
- Bloodwork & Urinalysis: These tests can show changes in your dog’s health that might indicate underlying problems, including cancer.
- Diagnostic Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT scan, etc.): Though these can’t detect cancer until it’s fairly advanced, they can be helpful for a closer look once you suspect something’s wrong.
- Biopsy: A tissue sample is analyzed to confirm if cancer is present.
While these diagnostic tools are essential, they don’t catch cancer until it’s already in its later stages—when the tumor has grown large enough to be visible and detectable. That’s why early detection tests are key to early intervention.
EMERGING CANCER SCREENING DIAGNOSTICS
- Oncotect: An at-home urine test kit that detects cancer cells for the 4 most common cancers in your dog’s urine.
- Nu.Q®: A blood test requested through your veterinarian that can help detect cancers in their early stages.
- VDI Lab: A blood test requested through your veterinarian to screen apparently healthy dogs for early signs of cancer.
However, it’s important to understand that:
- No test is 100% accurate. These tests may have false positives and false negatives.
- A positive result doesn’t confirm cancer. It only indicates further investigation is needed.
- While they may detect cancer earlier than conventional methods, they don’t prevent it.
EARLY DETECTION IS NOT THE SAME AS PREVENTION
When cancer is detected early, it means the cancer is already present. It’s just been found sooner rather than later.
Real prevention requires addressing the underlying causes before cancer ever develops. In some cases, it can take years for a single cancer cell to multiply into the number of cells needed to form a detectable tumor. During this time, there are opportunities to intervene.
To truly prevent cancer, comprehensive testing is needed to evaluate a dog’s overall health and identify specific risk factors that should be addressed before cancer has a chance to develop.
Cancer Screening Diagnostics Mentioned
Dr. Kendra Pope is one of only four board-certified integrative veterinary oncologists in the U.S. She is extensively trained in herbal medicine, intravenous nutrient therapy, mistletoe therapy, and more. She is active in clinical research through her nonprofit organization, Prism Veterinary Research Institute, whose mission is to validate and legitimize integrative modalities in the treatment of cancer and chronic disease.
For more information, check out Dr. Kendra Pope’s Pet Cancer Prevention Course.
For More Information:
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, The Doggy Dish™ may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we personally use and trust.
