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Hero Dog Detects Cancer, Saves Owner's Life
8 Mar
Summary
- A cockapoo alerted its owner to breast cancer through persistent pawing.
- Early detection led to life-saving treatment for the owner.
- The heroic dog was named 'Super Dog' for its remarkable action.
A cockapoo named Stella is being hailed as a hero after her unusual behavior led to the early detection of breast cancer in her owner, Diane Ellingham. Stella, an eight-year-old dog, repeatedly pawed at Diane's left breast, an action out of character that prompted Diane to seek medical advice.
Following Stella's persistent alerts, Diane, 60, consulted her doctor, leading to tests that confirmed cancer in her breast. The timely diagnosis, attributed to Stella's intervention, allowed for life-saving treatment, including a lumpectomy and lymph node removal. This proactive detection was critical, as lobular cancer can be difficult to identify.
Later, a CT scan revealed the cancer had spread to Diane's spine, causing severe back pain. However, thanks to Stella's initial warning, Diane had already begun targeted therapy, which successfully halted the spread and has granted her nearly seven years of quality life so far. Stella has been recognized as The Sun on Sunday's Super Dog for her extraordinary actions.
Experts emphasize the remarkable ability of dogs to detect subtle odor changes associated with diseases like cancer, far beyond human senses. Dr. Claire Guest noted that dogs can identify these changes at extremely low concentrations, while oncology pathologist Dr. Marios Anastasiadis praised Stella's role in a life saved.
