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Dog's Bump Alert: Uncovers Rare Breast Cancer
17 Jun
Summary
- Dog alerted owner to ridge, not lump, indicating rare lobular breast cancer.
- Lobular breast cancer often lacks a lump, making it harder to detect.
- Early detection by pet led to successful treatment and remission.
Lesley Goodburn's life was saved by her dog, Gertie, who alerted her to an unusual ridge in her breast. This discovery two years ago led to a diagnosis of lobular breast cancer, a form that accounts for approximately 15% of all breast cancer cases and often does not present as a palpable lump.
Goodburn, who has dedicated over a decade to cancer awareness following her husband's death, had never heard of lobular breast cancer. She explained that this type grows in the lobules, where milk is produced, and can manifest as a ridge or skin changes, making it difficult to detect via mammograms.
Unlike many breast cancers, lobular cancer's symptoms can include itching, tingling, dimpling, or changes to the skin's texture. Goodburn's treatment involved chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, leading to her current remission. She emphasizes that seeking medical advice for any unusual sensations is crucial.
Goodburn is now supporting Lobular Breast Cancer UK's campaign to raise awareness. Annually, around 8,400 people are diagnosed with this condition. Her advocacy, stemming from her personal experience and previous fundraising for pancreatic cancer charities, urges others to get checked if something feels wrong.
