Some Cancer Patients Would Rather Stop Treatment Than Give Up
Their Pets
NEW
YORK, April 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The
companionship and support of a pet can be a lifeline for people
diagnosed with cancer. However, caring for a pet while also trying
to care yourself can be extremely challenging. 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%) worried they
might not be able to keep their pets due to their cancer
treatment.
The survey also found that 87% of cancer patients had
difficulty taking care of their pet during treatment because of the
expense. Prior to their cancer diagnosis, most pet owners were able
to afford pet food (93%) and pay for vet visits (91%). After their
diagnosis, three-quarters (77% and 78% respectively) found it
difficult or impossible to pay for pet food and vet visits.
"The expense of pet food, veterinary care, dog walkers, and
boarding can add up. Cost is the main pet-related difficulty that
owners face when undergoing cancer treatment," said Brian Morvant, Program Manager for
CancerCare's Pet Assistance & Wellness (PAW) Program.
"Cancer drugs and treatment are expensive and physically taxing, to
say the least. Our survey found that people diagnosed with cancer
find it extremely difficult to take their pet to the vet, walk
their dog or even afford pet food during this vulnerable time in
their lives," said Morvant.
More than 8 in 10 cancer patients (86%) needed part-time or
occasional help caring for their pet and more than one in ten (15%)
said they considered abandoning or pausing their cancer treatment
in order to keep their pet, the survey found. Nearly all cancer
patients (92%) said their pet was extremely important throughout
their cancer journey.
Difficulties pet owners face while undergoing cancer treatment
include:
- More than half (59%) had trouble walking their dog.
- Two-thirds (67%) had trouble taking care of their pets because
of an inability to walk, lift, or bend down.
- Almost half (49%) cited that taking care of their pet was very
difficult while they were undergoing cancer treatment.
- 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 caring for their
pet.
"Pets help their owners cope with the emotional aspects of
cancer, especially individuals living alone," Morvant explained.
"However, the physical, emotional and financial difficulties that
may accompany a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming to even the
most devoted pet owners, putting that cherished relationship at
risk."
While there are many resources for those diagnosed with cancer,
CancerCare's PAW Program is the only national
organization offering financial support to pet owners undergoing
cancer treatment who are having trouble taking care of their pet.
Since launching the PAW financial assistance program for qualified
pet owners in active treatment in 2020, the PAW Program has served
over 3,300 clients. Read more about CancerCare's Pet Owners
with Cancer Survey here.
About CancerCare®
Founded in 1944, CancerCare is the leading national
organization providing free, professional support services and
information to help people manage the emotional, practical, and
financial challenges of cancer. Our comprehensive services include
resource navigation, counseling, support groups (over the phone,
online and in-person), educational workshops, publications, and
financial and co-payment assistance. All
CancerCare services are provided by master's-prepared
oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts.
CancerCare's national PAW Program was launched in
2020 with the mission of helping people diagnosed with cancer stay
together with their beloved pets. The program provides limited
financial assistance to eligible cancer patients in active
treatment who are owners of a cat or dog. These funds help offset
pet care expenses such as pet food, pet walking/sitting, boarding
fees, veterinarian expenses, medications, and lab fees. The program
also provides education for cancer patients focused on caring for
their pets and a searchable database of low-cost and free pet care
services across the country. Make a donation here.
Editor's Note: Survey charts can be found here. Quotes from
cancer patients are available upon request.
Media Contact:
Beth Brody
376246@email4pr.com
908-295-0600
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SOURCE CancerCare