November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month

November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month and Nationwide is partnering with the Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF) to increase awareness and raise funds to fight the number one disease-related killer of dogs and cats. Last year, Nationwide, the nation’s first and largest provider of pet health insurance, received more than 67,000 pet insurance claims for cancer diagnosis and treatment in pets, making cancer-related conditions one of the most common types of medical claims.  In fact, last year Nationwide pet insurance members accumulated more than $20 million in medical expenses for the top 10 pet cancer-related conditions. In a continuing effort to educate pet owners about the prevalence, detection and treatment of pet cancer, Nationwide recognizes November as National Pet Cancer Awareness Month.

During the month of November, Nationwide will donate $5 to the Animal Cancer Foundation, up to $20,000, for every photo, story or statistic shared on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #CurePetCancer.

Partnering with the Animal Cancer Foundation, Nationwide will also host the 10th annual Nationwide K9K Pet Cancer Awareness Walk on Sunday, Nov. 8 in Long Beach, Calif., to raise funds for pet cancer research. To date, Nationwide has raised more than $250,000 to benefit the Animal Cancer Foundation. For more information, visit www.Nationwidek9k.com.

Nationwide launched National Pet Cancer Awareness Month in 2005, calling attention to the number one disease-related killer of dogs and cats. Listed below are the 10 most common pet cancer-related claims received by Nationwide last year

Cancerous Conditions

1. Lymphosarcoma or Lymphoma

2. Skin Cancer (Malignant Skin Neoplasia)

3. Splenic (Spleen) Cancer

4. Bone or Joint Cancer

5. Hepatic (Liver) Cancer

6. Thoracic (Chest) Cancer

7. Bladder Cancer

8. Brain or Spinal Cord Cancer

9. Oral Cancer or Malignant Oral Neoplasia

10. Anal Gland Cancer

Treatment for these conditions can carry a heavy financial burden for pet owners. Lymphosarcoma or Lymphoma is the most common and most expensive condition on the list, costing policyholders an average of $2,082 per pet.  To ensure that Nationwide members receive optimal cancer treatment, Nationwide medical policies include benefits for the diagnosis and treatment of cancerous conditions, such as chemotherapy, radiation and metastasis screening.

Pet Cancer Detection Tips

To detect cancer early, pet owners should be attentive to any growing lumps or sores on their pet that fail to heal. They should also monitor their pet for:

1) drastic changes in the pet’s appetite or weight

2) unusually strong odors coming from a pet

3) discharge or bleeding from any body opening

4) difficulty chewing or swallowing

5) an unwillingness to exercise

Further detection tips and information about National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, as well as registration information for the Nationwide K9K Pet Cancer Awareness Walk, can be found by visiting www.petinsurance.com/cancer. For more information about the Animal Cancer Foundation, please go to www.acfoundation.org.