One of the most serious problems veterinarians treat is cancer. Many of my patients and friends have asked about it recently- how to avoid it, how to treat it and more.
Veterinarians all across the country see cancer every day. It is estimated that over 50% of dogs over the age of 10 will succumb to the dreaded consequences of cancer.
Research has demonstrated that cancers initially occur due to the animals’ exposure to carcinogens, which promote cancer. Some carcinogens are naturally occurring, but the majority of them are manufactured substances like herbicides, pesticides, preservatives and the like, which are found in many commercial dog foods.
Carcinogens alter the DNA of the cell, resulting in uncontrolled cell growth which ultimately results in a mass-like effect. The initial phase of cancer development is termed initiation or implantation. With a competent immune system, some cancers are halted at this point.
The second stage is called promotion. This occurs when the conditions are favorable for the continued growth of the tumor cells. This stage is very similar to how grass grows on a watered lawn. This is also the time when diet plays such a key role in suppressing tumor growth.
Dogs eating a diet that they were intended to consume can slow the progression of the development of cancer. This is an opinion based on my and my colleagues’ general clinical experience.
The third stage is termed progression. Progression is the point where I see most of my patients or when the owners actually recognize the problem. This is the point when cells are rapidly reproducing, spreading, and causing damage both locally and in other parts of the body.
The role of diet in cancer is well-established. The proper diet can halt the initiation process by supporting the animal’s immune system function. The proper diet can also halt the promotion stage by starving the tumor, similar to not watering a lawn. Unfortunately, the progression phase is difficult to control by diet alone and oftentimes is the time when I first see the sick patient.
Tags: dog cancer, pet cancer, pet health