Cancer is the leading cause of death in older dogs and cats, with early detection through screening enabling treatment when outcomes are most favorable and suffering is minimized.
Early cancer detection welfare is based on the principle that earlier diagnosis generally means less suffering and better treatment outcomes. A dog whose lymphoma is detected at an early, responsive stage can achieve remission with treatment that maintains quality of life; a dog whose lymphoma is detected at an advanced stage when clinical signs are severe has fewer treatment options and may have been suffering without recognition for weeks or months. The welfare case for routine cancer screening in senior animals is that it enables earlier intervention when treatment is more effective, less intensive, and associated with better welfare outcomes. Annual wellness examinations for senior pets that include cancer screening represent high-value preventive welfare investment.