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Veterinary cancer epidemiology
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
The Veterinary Quarterly
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Veterinary cancer epidemiology reveals infectious causes of animal cancers and identifies dogs as sentinels for environmental hazards. This research aids in preventing animal and potentially human cancers.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Epidemiology
- Comparative Oncology
- Cancer Etiology and Pathogenesis
Background:
- Animal disease clusters have historically led to significant discoveries in cancer research.
- Understanding cancer in animals offers insights into human oncology and disease etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of veterinary cancer epidemiology on multiple fields of oncology.
- To explore the role of epidemiology in understanding cancer causes, pathogenesis, and prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological studies in animal populations.
- Analysis of infectious agents, environmental factors, and genetic predispositions in animal cancers.
- Epidemiologic-experimental investigations into specific animal tumor diseases.
Main Results:
- Identified infectious, viral-associated causes for malignant lymphoma in cats, poultry, and cattle.
- Dogs serve as sentinels for environmental carcinogens like asbestos, dyes, and insecticides.
- Genetic factors contribute to cancer pathogenesis, indicated by breed and familial predispositions.
Conclusions:
- Veterinary epidemiology is crucial for understanding cancer across species, including humans.
- Epidemiological findings enable preventative strategies, such as hormone withdrawal and isolation of infected animals.