November Marks National Pet Cancer Awareness Month

BREA, Calif., Nov. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Last year, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation's first and largest provider of pet health insurance, received more than 63,000 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, VPI policyholders accumulated more than $20 million in medical expenses for the top 10 cancer-related conditions. In a continuing effort to educate pet owners about the prevalence, detection and treatment of pet cancer, VPI recognizes November as National Pet Cancer Awareness Month.  

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7361751-veterinary-pet-insurance-teams-with-animal-cancer-foundation-for-national-pet-cancer-awareness-month/

During the month of November, VPI, a Nationwide company, will donate $5 to the Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF), up to $10,000, for every photo, story or statistic shared on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #CurePetCancer.  For more information, visit www.curepetcancer.com. To date, VPI has raised nearly $200,000 to benefit the ACF.

VPI 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 cancer-related claims received by VPI in 2013:

Treatment for these conditions can carry a heavy financial burden for pet owners. Oral cancer or malignant oral neoplasia is the most expensive condition on the list, costing policyholders an average of $2,218 per pet.  To ensure VPI policyholders receive optimal cancer treatment, VPI's medical policies include benefits for the diagnosis and treatment of cancerous conditions, such as chemotherapy, radiation and metastasis screening.  

"Cancer continues to be a prevalent danger for pets. We received 8,000 more cancer-related claims in 2013 compared to 2012, marking a 12% increase," said Dr. Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA, Vice President and Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for VPI.  "However, with advances in the treatment of pet cancer, there are an increasing number of options. Pet owners can fight back by detecting any changes in their pet at home and learning about financial options for cancer-related medical expenses."

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; or 5) an unwillingness to exercise.

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

About Veterinary Pet Insurance
With more than 500,000 pets insured nationwide, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency (VPI) is a member of the Nationwide family of companies and is the first and largest pet health insurance company in the United States. Since 1982, VPI has helped provide pet owners with peace of mind and is committed to being the trusted choice of America's pet lovers.

VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Wellness coverage and routine care is available for an additional premium. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, one in three Fortune 500 companies offers VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are offered and administered by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and DVM Insurance Agency in all other states. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Brea, CA, an A.M. Best A rated company (2012); National Casualty Company (all other states), Madison, WI, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2012). Pet owners can find VPI Pet Insurance on Facebook or follow @VPI on Twitter. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

About Animal Cancer Foundation
Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for cancer by funding research in and increasing public awareness of comparative oncology, the study of naturally occurring cancers in pets and people. ACF provides research grants to medical and veterinary oncology professionals studying comparative oncology models. ACF does not fund studies that would induce cancer in pets. Clinical trials are offered to pet owners in their local oncology practices. ACF serves as a preeminent resource in educating the public and scientific communities to the value of the comparative oncology model not only to discover valuable new ways to treat cancer in pets, but that these advances may lead to more effective, less toxic therapies for people.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7361751-veterinary-pet-insurance-teams-with-animal-cancer-foundation-for-national-pet-cancer-awareness-month/

SOURCE Veterinary Pet Insurance