The Incredible Story of a Dog Who Detected Breast Cancer in Her Owner

A Lifesaving Intervention: How a Dog Detected Breast Cancer

In June 2023, Breanna Bortner, then 30 years old, experienced an extraordinary moment when her cockapoo, Mochi, began acting strangely. Mochi, alongside Breanna’s sister-in-law’s dog, Gunner, became fixated on her right breast, sniffing, pawing, and burrowing into the area. This unusual behavior was the catalyst for Breanna to seek medical attention, leading to a life-changing diagnosis.

Breanna had been feeling increasingly fatigued in the preceding year and had noticed a lump while itching a mosquito bite near her breasts. While she had heard stories of dogs detecting cancer through scent, the persistent attention from Mochi and Gunner heightened her concern. Cockapoos, a cross between a poodle and a cocker spaniel, are known for their intelligence and keen sense of smell, which may have played a role in their reaction.

A Diagnosis That Changed Everything

Just days after seeking medical care, Breanna was diagnosed with stage 2B triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma, an aggressive form of breast cancer that lacks common receptors, making it resistant to hormonal therapies. Despite a clean bill of health from a breast exam just three months earlier, the tumor had grown to an inch and a half, illustrating the rapid progression of this aggressive cancer type.

Breanna, who runs the blog Brave Beautiful Boobies, recalled how the cancer had developed from undetectable to a palpable lump in just three months. This experience underscored the importance of early detection and the role that her dogs played in saving her life.

The Science Behind Canine Cancer Detection

Dogs have long been known for their extraordinary sense of smell, which is 10,000 times more sensitive than that of humans. Studies have shown that dogs can detect cancer with remarkable accuracy. A 2019 study found that blood-sniffing dogs could identify cancer samples with 97% accuracy, while earlier research reported accuracy rates as high as 99%. Dogs have also been shown to detect cancer in its early stages, including precancerous cells, and can distinguish between the breath, urine, or skin of individuals with and without cancer.

From prostate cancer detected through urine samples to breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancers identified through breath or skin, dogs have proven to be invaluable in early detection. Their ability to detect cancer earlier than traditional medical tests highlights their potential as a complementary tool in diagnostic medicine.

Mochi: More Than Just a Pet, a Healing Companion

Mochi’s role in Breanna’s journey extended far beyond detection. Throughout her 16 rounds of chemotherapy and double mastectomy, Mochi became her emotional support system. Breanna recalled how Mochi sensed her distress during treatment, staying by her side and offering comfort. She described him as her “healing buddy,” providing a sense of purpose during a deeply challenging time.

After her recovery, Breanna noticed that Mochi had developed separation anxiety, likely due to their intense bond during her illness. With the help of a trainer, they are working through this issue, strengthening their relationship further.

Emerging Technologies in Early Cancer Detection

While dogs like Mochi have proven their ability to detect cancer, new technologies are also emerging as tools for early diagnosis. A recent example is the Oura ring, a smart device that tracks various health metrics, including body temperature. A woman shared on TikTok how her Oura ring detected unusually high temperatures in the weeks leading up to her lymphoma diagnosis, highlighting the potential of wearable technology in monitoring health changes.

Such innovations, combined with the natural abilities of animals like Mochi, offer hope for earlier and more accurate cancer detection in the future.

A Grateful Survivor and a Lasting Legacy

Today, Breanna is cancer-free, thanks in large part to Mochi’s unwavering vigilance. She now undergoes regular scans every three months to monitor her health. While she expresses deep gratitude to her medical team, she attributes her survival to her loyal dog, who not only detected her cancer but also supported her through every step of her recovery.

Breanna’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the unique bond between humans and animals and the extraordinary ways in which pets can impact our lives. It also highlights the importance of awareness and early detection in the fight against cancer.