Canine Detectives: How a Dog Helped Identify Breast Cancer

In a remarkable story from Minnesota, Breanna Bortner credits her beloved cockapoo, Mochi, with potentially saving her life by alerting her to a crucial health issue: breast cancer. This incident raises intriguing questions about the ability of dogs to detect health conditions in humans.

The Discovery

In 2023, 31-year-old Bortner discovered a lump in her right breast. Anxiety and uncertainty clouded the six weeks leading up to her biopsy. During this period, Bortner noticed Mochi behaving unusually; the dog seemed fixated on the area of her breast where the lump was located.

A Surprising Behavior

“I had always heard stories where people claimed their dogs could sense things,” Bortner shared in an interview. “But I had never witnessed it myself until now.” Mochi’s behavior was particularly surprising as he had never displayed such concern previously. “Even during past illnesses, he had never acted this way, making me realize how attuned he was to my body,” she explained.

Diagnosis and Acceptance

The results of the biopsy confirmed Bortner’s fears: she had stage 2B triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma, a less common type of breast cancer with limited treatment options, according to the American Cancer Society. Bortner felt a surreal sense of connection with Mochi when she realized he had detected her illness before medical professionals had.

Coping with Treatment

After receiving her diagnosis, the treatment process progressed rapidly. Bortner underwent five-and-a-half months of chemotherapy. Despite her fears surrounding the treatment, which she referred to as “healing sessions,” Mochi remained a source of emotional support during this challenging time.

The Role of Pets in Recovery

Throughout her treatment, Bortner found motivation in Mochi. Tasks as simple as feeding him or taking him for walks helped her maintain a sense of normalcy. “I couldn’t leave this earth before you do,” she recounted thinking about her dog, emphasizing her desire to ensure his well-being amidst her health struggles.

Scientific Insights

Experts have acknowledged the remarkable sensitivity of dogs’ olfactory abilities. Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health, confirmed that dogs can detect abnormal cancer proteins through their sense of smell. “There is evidence in medical literature suggesting that they can indeed smell such anomalies,” he explained.

Continued Bond and Support

Even now, nearly a year after completing her treatment, Bortner continues to provide support to others facing similar challenges. She strives to share information about what to expect during cancer recovery, all while cherishing the bond she shares with Mochi, who continues to look after her wellbeing.

Conclusion

This compelling story highlights the extraordinary bond between humans and their pets, illustrating how animals can provide not just companionship but also crucial insights into our health. As Bortner moves forward in her life after cancer treatment, her connection with Mochi stands as a testament to the intuitive abilities of dogs.