Some embodiments of the invention include methods to treat cancer in animals by administering an SCD inhibitor. Other embodiments include treating cancer in animals where the SCD gene is absent in one or both chromatids by administering an SCD inhibitor. Still other embodiments include treating cancer in animals by administering an SCD inhibitor where the SCD gene is absent in one or both chromatids and the animal has a daily intake of one or more of (a) a specified amount of total fat, (b) a specified amount of total fatty acid, (c) a specified amount of total monounsaturated fatty acid, or (d) a specified amount of total oleic acid. Additional embodiments of the invention are also discussed herein.
