How did Chase Johnson's dog help detect her breast cancer?

Chase Johnson's dog, Cato, displayed unusual anxiety and whimpered before persistently nudging her left breast, prompting her to discover a lump.

What type of breast cancer did Chase Johnson have?

Chase Johnson was diagnosed with aggressive triple-negative breast cancer.

What is Chase Johnson currently involved in regarding breast cancer prevention?

Chase Johnson is participating in a Cleveland Clinic clinical trial for a preventive breast cancer vaccine.

Home / Health / Dog's Whimpers Led to Early Cancer Detection

Dog's Whimpers Led to Early Cancer Detection

23 Feb

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Summary

Dog's anxious behavior and nudges alerted owner to a breast lump.
Early detection of aggressive triple-negative breast cancer was life-saving.
Patient is participating in a clinical trial for a breast cancer vaccine.

Dog's Whimpers Led to Early Cancer Detection

Chase Johnson, a 36-year-old attorney from Cary, North Carolina, discovered she had triple-negative breast cancer thanks to her dog, Cato. Cato began acting anxious and whimpering around Johnson a few weeks before she found a lump in her left breast. His persistent nudging of the area, which caused pain, prompted Johnson to investigate further.

Despite initial skepticism from medical providers who deemed her too young for cancer and stated cancer doesn't hurt, Johnson persisted. Recalling Cato had previously alerted her husband to colon cancer, she sought a second opinion at Duke University Hospital. This led to a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy, confirming the aggressive triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis on February 16, 2021.