Some cancer patients would rather stop treatment than give up their pet
new york, April 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Pet companionship and support can be a lifeline for people diagnosed with cancer. However, caring for a pet while also caring for yourself can be extremely difficult.cancerCare‘s Pet Assistance & Wellness (PAW) program recently surveyed 244 people diagnosed with cancer who have a dog or cat in their home, and found that nearly half (44%) had a dog or cat in their home due to cancer treatment. We understand that you are worried that you will not be able to keep a pet. .
Pet owners face many financial challenges during cancer treatment.
Nearly half of people who were diagnosed with cancer and kept a dog or cat at home were worried that they would no longer be able to keep their pet due to cancer treatment.
The survey also found that 87% of cancer patients find it difficult to care for their pets during treatment due to cost. Before being diagnosed with cancer, most pet owners were able to afford pet food (93%) and pay for veterinarian visits (91%). After diagnosis, three-quarters (77% and 78%, respectively) found it difficult or impossible to pay for pet food and veterinary visits.
“Expenses such as pet food, veterinary care, dog walking, and boarding can add up. Cost is the main pet-related challenge owners face when receiving cancer treatment,” he said. Ta. brian morvantCancer Program ManagerCare‘s Pet Assistance & Wellness (PAW) Program. “Cancer drugs and treatments are expensive and physically taxing, to say the least. Our research shows that people diagnosed with cancer are more likely to take their pets to the vet. “We found that people are finding it extremely difficult to walk their dogs, or even buy pet food during this vulnerable time,” Morvant said.
Research shows that more than 8 in 10 (86%) people with cancer need part-time or occasional assistance to care for their pets, and more than 1 in 10 (15%) do not care for their pets. Those who answered that they were considering giving up or suspending cancer treatment in order to keep a pet were found. Almost all cancer patients (92%) said their pets were very important throughout their cancer journey.
Some of the challenges pet owners face during cancer treatment include:
- More than half (59%) had difficulty walking their dog.
- Two-thirds (67%) had difficulty caring for their pet because they were unable to walk, lift or bend.
- Almost half (49%) said caring for their pet during cancer treatment was very difficult.
- Six in 10 (60%) had trouble shopping for pet food.
- 63% had limited ability to take their pet to the vet.
- 86% needed part-time or occasional help with pet care.
“Pets can help owners, especially those who live alone, cope with the emotional aspects of cancer,” Morvant explained. “However, the physical, emotional and financial challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for even the most dedicated pet owners and can put their precious relationships at risk.”
There are many resources for people diagnosed with cancer, butCare‘s PAW program is the only national organization that provides financial assistance to pet owners who are having difficulty caring for their pets during cancer treatment. Since launching the PAW Financial Assistance Program in 2020 for eligible pet owners undergoing active treatment, the PAW program has served more than 3,300 clients.Read more about cancerCareClick here for a survey of pet owners with cancer.
About cancerCare®
Cancer Founded in 1944Care is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people cope with the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Our comprehensive services include resource guidance, counseling, support groups (phone, online, and in-person), educational workshops, publications, and financial and copay assistance.all cancersCare Services are provided by master’s degree oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts.
cancerCarenational PAW program was founded in 2020 with the mission of helping people diagnosed with cancer stay with their beloved pets. This program provides limited financial assistance to eligible cancer patients who are cat or dog owners and are actively being treated. These funds help offset the costs of caring for your pet, such as pet food, pet walking/sitting, boarding fees, veterinarian fees, medications, and testing costs. The program also provides education for cancer patients focused on pet care and a searchable database of low-cost and free pet care services nationwide.make a donation here.
Editor’s note: Research graphs can be found here. Quotes from cancer patients are available upon request.
Media contact:
beth brody
[email protected]
908-295-0600
Source Cancer Care
