AHPC Study Finds Cancer Patients Face Hidden Stress Over Caring for Pets

A new study conducted by Dr Kogan, AHPC co-director, and colleagues, published in Cancer Nursing sheds light on an often-overlooked challenge for people undergoing cancer treatment: the stress of caring for beloved pets. Researchers surveyed nearly 1,000 cancer survivors who owned dogs or cats and found that while pets provided comfort and emotional support, they also created added worries and guilt. Many survivors—especially younger ones and those recently diagnosed—felt they were not able to give their animals the care they deserved, and those feelings of guilt were linked to a lower quality of life.

The authors suggest that health care providers include pets in treatment and recovery discussions. Simple steps, like asking about pets during medical visits or connecting survivors with resources for temporary pet care, could ease survivors’ guilt and improve their well-being.

Read the full study here: https://journals.lww.com/cancernursingonline/fulltext/9900/unrecognized_bonds__how_pet_ownership_affects.421.aspx