Animal Cancer Epidemiology

Animal cancer epidemiology is an emerging field that investigates the occurrence, distribution, and determinants of cancer in animals. Companion animals in particular share our homes, lifestyles, and environments, making them valuable models for studying cancer etiology and its relationship with genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Their shorter lifespans and higher cancer prevalence compared to humans allow researchers to observe cancer development and progression over a relatively short time, yielding insights that benefit both veterinary and human medicine.



This research topic aims to explore cancer epidemiology in animals from multiple perspectives, including understanding risk factors, identifying genetic predispositions, and analyzing the role of environmental exposures in cancer development. Of particular interest is the concept of companion animals as sentinels for cancer trends and environmental hazards. Their health can reflect broader ecological and public health risks, offering a unique opportunity to study shared carcinogenic exposures and their implications for human health.



We invite studies that delve into patterns of cancer distribution and incidence in animals, investigate shared cancers between humans and animals, and assess the impact of environmental pollutants, dietary habits, and other lifestyle factors on cancer risks. Ultimately, this research topic seeks to advance the understanding of cancer as a complex, multifactorial disease, leveraging the insights gained from animal studies to inform public health, environmental policies, and clinical practices.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: animals, cancer, epidemiology, environmental hazards, sentinels, veterinary oncology

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.