A recent large-scale study on intestinal cancer in cats could ultimately benefit humans. “We are looking for patterns of cancer development in animals, so we can find common risk factors,” says Kim Selting, associate teaching professor of oncology at the MU College of Veterinary Medicine. The researchers examined 1,129 cases covering 47 years of intestinal cancer in cats. They found that most were lymphoma, and most were in the small intestines.

The researchers also determined that the Siamese breed, particularly males seven years of age and older, had an increased risk of developing intestinal cancer.

By noting patterns of cancer development, veterinarians and doctors may become aware of environmental factors that could be causing tumor progression in different species, including people. http://munews.missouri.edu