What Everyone Ought to Know about Dogs Who Can Detect Cancer!

by Denyse Lessard December 29, 2014 6 min read

27 Comments

What Everyone Ought to Know about Dogs Who Can Detect Cancer!

Can dogs really detect cancer? The answer is YES.


Researchers have discovered that your four-legged friend cannot only smell cancer, but also be more accurate than the most advanced laboratories when trying to detect certain cancers.


When you think about detection dogs, you automatically associate them with illegal drugs and explosives. Right? Well now, you can add smelling cancer to your list!


Not only can a trained dog smell cancer, but your own dog at home can too. Many experiences testify that this has been done. We’ll get back to these experiences a little later in the article.


When you think about it, your dog has many advantages in warning you if he detects cancer. After all, if something goes wrong with you, something will go wrong for him too. He counts on you to bring him food and shelter, so he wants to make sure you always stay by his side.


The power of a dog’s nose

Dogs love to use their nose to smell food, people, animals and even wounds and cuts. Has your dog ever smelled a cut on you? Maybe you’ve personally experienced it. If you have a cut on your arm, your dog is able to smell it, even through your sleeve. They can smell the change and they will point it out to you.


A dog’s nose is already well-known to be an expert at smelling things. This is because they can smell in parts per trillion. This means less than a drop of blood in 20 gigantic sized swimming pools. That is 50,000 times more than a human. Isn’t that amazing?


Us humans love to use our eyes and we’re pretty good at it. When we enter a room, first thing we do is walk in and see the room. For dogs, they walk in a room and smell it. When you see a cat, they smell a cat; when you see a cut, they smell a cut. That is why dogs are so good at detecting drugs, explosives and missing people. Fortunately, now researchers, many other people and pet owners know they can detect cancer. Dogs are so good at it that they can detect it at a very early stage. Even at stage zero. Cancer has a smell. Even oncologists say that cancer has a smell that can be scented around stage 3 or 4 through a patient’s breath. If a human can smell it, it makes a lot of sense that a dog can do too, but at a much earlier stage.


 

 

How dogs pick up the scent

You know dogs have a powerful nose and can smell a large quantity of things, but how can they actually sniff cancer? Just how can they do it?


What’s impressive is that dogs can smell cancer from urine and breathe samples only.


A study was made with five dogs. Two portuguese water dogs and three labradors. They were trained to detect breast and lung cancer over a three-week period. The training consisted in smelling breathe samples only. 169 cancer patients and healthy volunteers were mixed into a group. 86 people out of 169 had cancer. They were asked to give breathe samples. The dogs each had to smell the samples individually.


When the dogs smelled cancer cells, they would lie or sit down next to the cancerous sample. The dogs got a reward when they detected cancerous scents. What were the results of the study? All dogs had accurately spotted out the cancers from stage zero to stage four in the mixed group.


Dogs who are trained to detect cancer are trained just like the dogs who learn to detect explosives and drugs. Trainers will give the dog a well-deserved reward after having targeted the right odour. The training might be similar, but the similarities stop here. While drugs and bombs can have one particular odour, cancer scent is a combination of thousands of organic particles that are unique to each human being. So before a dog can sense the smell of cancer “in general”, it takes a lot of samples of the common scent in order to become really good at it. In order to detect cancer, the dogs have to be trained to detect healthy breath as well. So, no need to say that this becomes what we can call very specific training.


What about your own dog? Can he really smell cancer even if he isn’t trained for it? Some people testify by their own experiences that yes, it has been done and it has saved their lives.


 

 

Some testimonials

Below you will read two short and touching experiences found in two online articles about two women who both got an early cancer detected by their dog. The following excerpts can be read thoroughly on theguardian.com and dailymail.co.uk.


About Emilie Clark and her dog Mia:

“One evening in November 2011, I was at my computer when Mia leapt on to my lap and nuzzled into the flesh at the top of my left breast. She closed her eyes and licked furiously. That frightened me because it's what she does when I have a bruise or cut.

 

I pushed her gently away but she fixed her eyes on mine and stared at me intently, as she does when she's alerting me to something. I was uneasy now. Mia seemed certain there was a problem with the area at the top of my breast. I couldn't distinguish anything – my breasts are naturally lumpy – so it was difficult. All evening Mia attempted to leap on to my lap and tend to the area of skin where she perceived a problem. The following morning, I visited my GP with a sense of dread. I asked for an ultrasound or a mammogram. I didn't start the consultation by telling him that my dog had alerted me to the possible abnormality – I was aware it might sound far-fetched, but when he was dismissive, saying it was unlikely I had breast cancer because I was only 24, I explained. (...)


None of the oncologists I met during my ordeal was sceptical about Mia's role in diagnosing my cancer – they had heard it before. There's a charity called Medical Detection Dogs that trains dogs to sniff out cancer, and its work is endorsed by Cancer Research UK. Scientists are researching how dogs possess this diagnostic ability so that humans can harness it. Fortunately, my cancer hadn't spread but it will be another 16 months of scans before doctors grant me the all clear. Meanwhile, I'm rebuilding my life. No matter what life serves up, the bond between Mia and me will always be incredibly strong.”


About Dr. Claire Guest and her dog Daisy:

“As Dr Guest, now 50, recalls: 'Daisy seemed to be pawing at my chest. She bumped against my body repeatedly - I pushed her away, but she nuzzled against me again, clearly upset.


'She pushed me so hard that it bruised me. Her behaviour was totally out of character - she was normally such a happy dog, who would never hesitate to race after the other dogs.'


'I felt the tender area where she'd pushed me, and over the next few days I detected the tiniest lump.'


A few days later she went to her GP who referred her to a consultant. He thought it was a cyst, but said he would do a mammogram to be sure. 'He was correct - the bump was a perfectly harmless cyst,' says Claire. 'But further in the breast tissue was a deep-seated cancer.' It was caught very early and she had a lumpectomy and some lymph nodes removed, as well as six months of radiotherapy.


'I was 46, and the specialist told me that by the time a lump had become noticeable, this cancer would already have spread and my prognosis could have been very different.


'Just as I was doubting the future of dogs being used to detect cancer, my own pet labrador saved my life.'”


 

How dogs help cancer researchers

Dogs just like Daisy, found in the above experience, helped detect not only her owner’s cancer, but over 500 other cases like this one after being trained to do so. Trained detection dogs not only help provide second line screening for cancers that are now still hard to diagnose reliably, but they also help in the development of electronic systems, that are also called “electronic noses or e-noses”, that will help in the detection of early cancers. All of this will be possible in an non-invasive way and at a very low-cost.


The electronic nose will be able to pick up molecules created by the cancer cells with considerable accuracy. More research needs to be done on the electronic nose, but once it’s ready, this technology will open a lot of doors to detecting many types of cancers.


Nowadays, cancer is a disease that is undoubtedly spreading and growing. You certainly want to do everything that you can to reduce your chances of getting cancer, or at least, be able to detect it at stage zero. You and I are blessed to have trained dogs who can really help make a difference and save many lives. Many organizations do some beautiful work to help advance resarch: dogsdetectcancer.org and medicaldetectiondogs.org are only two of them. Maybe one day we’ll be lucky enough to have a detection dog in every doctor’s office.


What do you think? Comment below.

 

Sources:


 

Denyse Lessard
Denyse Lessard

27 Responses

HOMEOANIMAL
HOMEOANIMAL

June 13, 2022

Hi Julie,
I can understand how scary that can be for sure. It may be nothing, but you can always go for a routine checkup just to put your mind at ease.
Regards,
HOMEOANIMAL

julie a
julie a

June 13, 2022

hi this has really worried me as i have a friend with a dog that constantly sniffs my stomach this is really worrying i can hardly go to my gp with no symptoms

Barbara
Barbara

June 10, 2021

Oh gosh!! I just realized why my cat, after 14 years of living with her, suddenly would sit on the floor at my feet and just stare at me. It was so weird and unlike her to do that. I told my family about her strange behavior. I thought she just wanted attention, which again was unlike her. I just now realize maybe she knew I had breast cancer!! This behavior started not long before I was diagnosed. I was treated successfully 2 years ago and am now going for my 2 year ultrasound. Could this be true!!! Boy, that would empty out all the shelters. Big Pharma may not like it, but I would love to see a dog in my doctor’s office. Did you know that some European countries are now using dog’s as covid screeners? The studies have proven they are almost faultless in detection. Maybe the world will start treating dogs more humanely. They truly are man’s best friend, and now may save our lives!

Melissa
Melissa

October 13, 2020

I was diagnosed with stage III Non-Hodgkins a couple years ago. I went through treatment and have been in a “quiet phase”. For the last few weeks my dog is only content when I lay down on my bed. In the last few days he has literally started crying and whining at me until I go to bed, at all times of the day. I have my regular follow up appointment with my oncologist next week, I’m trying not to read too much into my dogs behavior… I guess I should share this with her. If my cancer is back, I’ll know that is what he has been trying to tell me. Dogs are amazing.

HOMEOANIMAL
HOMEOANIMAL

July 13, 2020

Hi Mary,

Thank you for sharing your story with us. For sure our pets are very in-tune to us and our pains and emotions. So for sure in situations like this the best is not to take any chances and get a full check up to see if there are any serious health issues such as cancer.

We hope it turns out to be nothing or nothing major for you!

Regards,
Homeoanimal

Mary
Mary

July 13, 2020

My rescue cat who I saved when he was 6 months old for the last 3 yrs been protecting me at night he used to pounce on my chest and wake me up in the middle of the night now he constantly smells my hands will not leave my hands alone he still stays with me at night but I hardly sleep but he stays with me by my side he has been doing this for at least two yrs I have COPD ASTHMA and other list and some stomach issues what is he trying to tell me I’m in cronic pain most of the time I’m 64 yes old have lost many lbs in the last few yrs was down to 95 lbs I know he senses something but what

HOMEOANIMAL
HOMEOANIMAL

June 15, 2020

Hi Kaylinn,

Thank you for your comment and I’m sorry to hear about this cough. For sure when there are issues like this that linger and if your pet acts strangely or reacts to you as never before, we recommend going for a check up. Its a good thing to double check that everything is fine than ignore signs and be very sorry later on!

I hope you get well soon!

Homeoanimal

Kaylinn
Kaylinn

June 15, 2020

Hi there, for the past several months I had a sudden onset tickle in my throat, which leads to a sudden onset of a quick cough . Every Time this happens, my dog comes to me and lays his head right across my neck. He only does it with that certain cough I tried to fake one and he didn’t do anything. Is he trying to tell me something? Thanks.
HOMEOANIMAL
HOMEOANIMAL

May 18, 2020

Hi Pattycake,

I’m sorry to hear that you are feeling sick. And for sure if dogs are acting weird around you and they never did this before could be a sign that something is wrong. So we would for sure recommend you go for a check up to see that everything is ok.

Warm regards,
Homeoanimal

Pattycake
Pattycake

May 18, 2020

Lately my dog Chip been very clingy, he wants to sleep in my bed right next to me under my butt. If I’m on the toilet he lay next to my feet till I’m done. He Stare at me a lot. I’m not sure if I’m sick or my dog is sick, however last night I went to my brother house and my dog brother lives there. I was sitting in the couch and tilted forward, chip brother jumped up and kiss me on my lip and lay in-font of me. I’m scared cause I feel like I’m sick 😷. Please give me any advise you have.

leen
leen

February 20, 2020

Dogs indeed are super intelligent!!! Love em to bits!!!

LInda
LInda

January 23, 2020

I rescued a dashund about a year ago, as a widow living alone, he and I have become best buds. I’ve noticed over the last few months that he insists on being in my lap, in my face, and when he is not he stares at me constantly. As a breast cancer survivor, I have just learned I have a lump in one breast and a mass In a lung. This has made me wonder, could my best friend possibly have detected cancer prior to it officially being detected. It sure is something to think about.

HOMEOANIMAL
HOMEOANIMAL

January 13, 2020

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William
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Dixie Stevens
Dixie Stevens

June 28, 2019

I just found out about dogs detecting cancer. In reading the articles I see that when the dog detected something it was in just on spot. But if you have a dog that licks your legs,feet,arms,hands just any place that you show skin day in and day out constantly. Does that mean that I have something wrong with my whole body or is my dog just weird? Any thoughts.

Marcelina Pablo
Marcelina Pablo

March 29, 2019

Thanks! It’s really good to have an extra idea about dog

Tanya Campilonga
Tanya Campilonga

March 29, 2019

I have a 7 year old chihuahua who is now my registered service dog. I’ve had her since the second she was born so she has always been very keen on my feelings and emotions. She would always lay her head on my abdomen area where my ovaries are located. Little did I know why she was doing it but my right ovary was covered with so many cysts that the ovary couldn’t be seen on a ultrasound. After having that one removed she was still laying on my abdomen and I was still in a lot of pain. Another ultrasound confirmed a large cyst on my left ovary. They removed it and said it was the size of a balloon inflated. After pathology on both sides my right side came back as non cancerous but my left side was a cancerous cyst. Now I have a 13 month old Pitsky and they both lay on the area where my uterus is which I was told almost 3 years ago that there are cysts on that as well. With them both doing that it really makes me wonder if those cysts are cancerous as well. Only time will tell when I’m able to afford to go back to my doctor.

Angela S.
Angela S.

March 29, 2019

Our Dog Tango And Australian Shepherd Mix Literally Diagnosed My Boyfriend’s Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She Continued To Lick And Lick And Lick And Lick Spot Every Night We Go To Bed And When He Would Get Her To Stop She Would Turn Around And Look Me Until I Got Her Stop She Wouldn’t Turn Turn To Him And Look That Same Spot Almost Silly. Raw A Week And A Half Later After Her Doing This Every Night We Went To The Doctor We Did Find Some Lumps And He Was Very Quickly Within 5 Days Diagnosed With a very aggressive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia And It’s Been Being Treated Accordingly. I Truly Feel Very Blessed That Our Untrained Dog Was Trying To Let Us Know Something Was Wrong, literally before he had any symptoms that we could notice. I feel that we owe her the world. In the she was not looking us and she would get so tied up next to his neck to sleep she would literally sit and stare at me for hours and in her eyes you knew you could tell that she had something she wanted to tell us and it was important but she just didn’t know how. I know many people are skeptical, but trust me since you started treatment she doesn’t do it anymore the first time he had his long length hospital stay I noticed she quit licking me all together at night she would just like clothes cuz she knew I was upset. Dogs are wonderful creatures a man’s best friend and Lifesavers thank you to the smart smart animals they can save people’s lives and they don’t even know how important they are.

Wendy Kranich
Wendy Kranich

April 04, 2019

One day I noticed my Jack Russell poking at my Labs abdomen ,then he barked at me and poked again. My JR can be neurotic so I sent himt to his bed. He did it over and over then one day my Lab collapsed in the yard. Then at the vet we found out the dog had bladder cancer. And the Lab got weaker so I had the vet put him to sleep. A couple months later I realized my JRussell was trying to tell me the Lab was sick with cancer.

Evelyn Bayford
Evelyn Bayford

April 04, 2019

I found this article interesting my kc cavalier started acting strange when I took him out he attacked other dogs for no reason which was not like him, I took him to the vets and the vet put it down to him having only one eye. My boy then started pawing at my chest and I kept pushing him away and telling him to stop.
Then one particular day I never had a bra on and once again he pawed me in the chest which hurt as I was rubbing the area I come a cross a lump. I went to go who referred me to hospital consult it turned out I had grade 3 invasive ducal carcinoma , but they told me it was very small and I would not have found it under normal examination, so as far as I am concerned my dog saved my life, since treatment my dog has never pawed at my chest again, so I really do believe dogs detect cancer

Mike  Rohr
Mike Rohr

April 11, 2019

I am positive that up to 6 different dogs have alerted me to cancer in my left leg

Donna
Donna

April 11, 2019

Dogs are simply amazing. I love mine so much. I could adopt all the dogs in the world.

Shari
Shari

April 11, 2019

My two chiuahua’s detect my skin cancer. They will lick it like there is no tomorrow. The spots they lick are generally pre cancer spots and will only lick on those spots. I am very impressed by this. The article says they can only detect it thru urine and breath. I am not so sure about that. They dogs in this article smelled it thru the skin. Wish I could gain more knowledge about this!

Patricia Hernandez
Patricia Hernandez

April 11, 2019

My pickamese-chitzu stepped on my breast nipple to be exact and pushed the carcinoma in situ out made my nipple invert saved my life I had stage 1 cancer and brca2 as well. I’m doing better and cancer free now thank you Toby my wonderful dog.

HOward
HOward

April 18, 2019

My 13 year old red nose pit bull who sleeps with me nightly woke me up several times in a weeks period,she was smelling my breath,I was in R.E.M. sleep at the time,about a week later I was found with several growths bilateral, in mylungs, I knew she had alerted me to it,it was no surprise when it was found by ultrasound,she stays by my side continually, I seek no treatment for this condition, my love for this bread no no bounds,,she is not trained, but has trained me, I know that they respond in kind,she is so intuitive that she knows my moves before I do, truly GODS gift to man, I am greatfull for my dogs and there return of love to me in there unselfish ways,truly mans best friend,she is 13 human years old

charlene tipton
charlene tipton

December 09, 2015

I have an animal rescue and I’m looking for new avenues for placing my dogs. I have 25 dogs and puppies some of whom have been here two plus years. They’re wonderful dogs and I want them to have a loving home. If this information can help me place dogs in homes, I want to learn more.

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