Taiwan sets up Asia's first animal cancer research centre
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Taiwan's top university Thursday opened Asia's first animal cancer research centre, aiming to serve the island's pet owners.
The centre, at the National Taiwan University in Taipei, also hopes its research into cancers affecting animals, especially cats and dogs, will contribute to cancer research and therapy for humans.
"Studies have indicated that dogs and human beings share common places in some genes," Professor Liu Chen-shuan told AFP.
Cancer has emerged as the top killer of Taiwan's "companion animals," whose average life span has increased to 11 from seven years over the past 80 years, he said.
The university's animal hospital treats up to 28,000 cats and dogs a year, with around 2,000 diagnosed with cancer.
There are about 1.6 million cats and dogs in Taiwan, but it is not clear how many die of cancer annually.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments