Canine Cancer: What the Numbers Tell Us
Cancer is now one of the leading causes of death in dogs globally. As dogs live longer and veterinary diagnostics improve, we are detecting cancer more frequently across all major regions.
Current Risk of Canine Cancer (2024–2025)
Around 1 in 3 dogs will develop cancer during their lifetime.
Annual incidence of malignant tumors is estimated at 0.3% to 0.8%, or 300–800 cases per 100,000 dog-years.
Rates are similar across the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and Australia.
Risk by Country
United States: Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over 10 years of age. Lifetime risk is approximately 33%-45% depending on breed.
United Kingdom: Around 30–35% of dogs are affected, with higher prevalence in certain breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labradors.
European Union: Incidence remains consistent across Nordic, Central, and Western Europe, with roughly 1 in 3 dogs affected.
Australia: Approximately 30%, with cancer being a leading cause of death in older dogs, though national data collection is more limited.
Cancer Risk 20 Years Ago
In the early 2000s, cancer risk was notably lower:
Lifetime cancer risk ranged from 18% to 25% across the same regions.
Reported increases of 8–12% over the past two decades suggest a real and measurable shift.
50 years ago (1970s): Estimated lifetime cancer risk was approximately 10–15%.
This change likely reflects a combination of improved detection and changing disease patterns.
Why Are More Dogs Developing Cancer?
Multiple contributing factors are likely responsible. Some medical professional may argue:
Longer lifespans: Dogs are living longer due to improved medical care and preventative health, increasing the chance of age-related disease.
Improved diagnostics: More owners now pursue advanced diagnostics, leading to earlier and more accurate detection of cancers.
Genetic predisposition: Certain popular breeds are more prone to cancer, and breed-related risk is a significant factor in cancer development.
However, as awareness evolves over time, there is more though towards the subtle impacts of diet, lifestyle and environment on the incidence of cancer.
Environmental exposures: Increased exposure to environmental toxins, pesticides, air pollution, and chemicals may be contributing to cancer risk. Think scented candles, lawn chemicals and flea and tick prevention.
Diet and lifestyle: Many dogs consume ultra-processed diets and live more sedentary lifestyles, both of which are associated with chronic inflammation and reduced immune function. Think antioxidant deficiencies, implications of a highly processed, high carbohydrate diet and urban living.
Final Thought
A cancer diagnosis in dogs is no longer uncommon. While increased lifespan and access to care are positive trends, the rise in cancer cases calls for a more proactive and holistic approach to canine health. This includes prevention strategies, consideration around nutrition, and understanding the impact of the environment on health. As the veterinary field continues to evolve to be on the forefront of medical understanding, so too much their understanding of how lifestyle, pharmaceuticals and environment influence disease risk in dogs.
References
Schwartz, A. (2022). Lifetime Risk of Cancer in Dogs. United States.
https://drjingma.com/assets/pdfs/papers/2022-Schwartz-cancer.pdfBanzato et al. (2024). Incidence rates of the most common canine tumors in Switzerland.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0302231MacEwen, E. G., & Withrow, S. J. (1978). Cancer incidence in dogs: A historical perspective. United States.
[Historical veterinary oncology data]ZipDo (2024). Dog Cancer Statistics. Global.
https://zipdo.co/dog-cancer-statistics/Pet Friendly House (2023). Cancer Rates in Pets. United Kingdom.
https://www.petfriendlyhouse.com/cancer-statistics-in-pets/Institute of Canine Biology (2023). Genetic predispositions to canine cancer.
https://www.instituteofcaninebiology.org/blog/we-need-to-rethink-the-genetics-of-cancer-in-dogsWashington Post (2025). Comparative Oncology: Dogs and Humans.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/08/02/dogs-cancer-humans