Abstract - Palmieri

Harnessing the power of cancer registries in veterinary care 

Cancer is one of the most significant health and welfare challenges facing companion animals, yet our understanding of its true impact remains limited by the absence of systematic data. This talk will explore how digital surveillance—specifically, the collection and analysis of cancer data from pathology laboratories—can transform our approach to cancer surveillance and prevention.

Through initiatives like the ACARCinom registry, we are beginning to uncover patterns in cancer incidence, breed and age predispositions that may not only inform earlier diagnosis and better care but also open the door to preventive strategies. By linking clinical diagnoses with environmental variables (e.g. pollution, land use, industrial exposure), we can begin to understand how location influences disease burden. This approach not only enhances early detection and care but also opens a path to prevention by identifying modifiable environmental risks.

The presentation will highlight current findings, methodological challenges, and the potential for digital tools to shift cancer prevention from the clinic to the community, at the same time exploring how similar approaches could be extended to other animal welfare issues in the digital age.

Prof Chiara Palmieri
Professor in Veterinary Pathology
University of Queensland