10 fascinating facts about cancer reveal a world far stranger than most of us imagine. Cancer isn’t a single disease but a wildly diverse collection of malignant cell growths that continue to baffle scientists despite decades of intensive study. Genetic predisposition, excess weight, radiation exposure, cigarette smoke, and heavy alcohol consumption all raise the odds of developing a tumor, while habits like regular exercise, sipping coffee, and loading up on fresh fruit and veg appear to lower the risk. Unfortunately, many research papers are tainted by bias, and a truly curative breakthrough still feels like a distant dream.

10 The Unwilling Pedophile

Even the most subtle distortion of brain tissue can upend a person’s entire personality. Tumors nestled near the pituitary can unleash runaway hormonal cascades, while those that take up residence in the frontal lobes may trigger memory lapses, depressive episodes, or sudden bouts of aggression. The range of possible symptoms is enormous, yet medical literature still encounters cases that leave seasoned neurologists scratching their heads.

One striking example comes from neurologists Russell Swerdlow and Jeffrey Burns at the University of Virginia, who documented a 40‑year‑old married schoolteacher whose previously ordinary life took a dark turn. He became obsessively fixated on sexual urges directed toward children, scouring the internet for illicit material, hiring prostitutes, and even attempting to assault his landlord. After his wife discovered his activities, she expelled him from their home and he was later convicted of child molestation, entering a 12‑step program for sex addicts. The program failed, and just before a potential prison sentence, he was rushed to the hospital with a severe headache and an overwhelming compulsion to assault his landlady.

An MRI revealed an egg‑sized tumor in the right orbital frontal cortex. Surgical removal quelled the disturbing urges and he seemed to return to normal. Yet seven months later the cravings resurfaced; a follow‑up scan showed the tumor had regrown. A second operation eliminated it again, and the aberrant behavior vanished. Unfortunately, the tumor reappeared once more, forcing a third surgery. Each time the lesion vanished, his psyche steadied, underscoring how delicately our brains balance morality and desire.

9 Tasmanian Devils

Animals, like humans, are not immune to cancer. A particularly gruesome and lethal form—devil facial tumor disease (DFTD)—has been decimating the iconic Tasmanian devil since its discovery in 1996. The disease spreads when the carnivores bite each other over food or mates, depositing contagious cancer cells onto the face. Tumors erupt on the snout and jaw, eventually invading the bloodstream and other organs. The devil’s immune system fails to recognize the foreign cells, rendering the disease 100% fatal.

Scientists warn that without an effective cure, the species could vanish by 2035; populations have already plummeted by about 70% since the mid‑1990s. Researchers are scrambling to develop vaccines and captive‑breeding programs. Even Warner Bros., the studio behind the beloved cartoon devil, contributes royalties to support conservation.

By contrast, some creatures appear remarkably resistant to cancer. Sharks rarely develop tumors, and the naked mole‑rat—a bizarre subterranean rodent—has never been recorded with cancer, offering tantalizing clues for future therapies.

8 Dwarfism

Among the many forms of dwarfism, Laron syndrome stands out for its rarity and unexpected health perks. First identified in 1966 among a small community in Ecuador, the disorder stems from a genetic mutation that renders the body unresponsive to normal growth‑hormone signals, despite having typical hormone levels. Consequently, individuals grow to a short stature.

What makes Laron syndrome fascinating is its apparent protective effect against age‑related illnesses. A study of 99 Ecuadorian patients found zero cases of diabetes and only a single instance of cancer. Researchers such as Robert Salvatori of Johns Hopkins University are probing how the altered growth‑hormone pathway might confer longevity, hoping to translate the findings into therapies that could lower disease risk for the broader population.

Salvatori cautions that if reduced growth‑hormone activity shields against malignancy, the opposite may be true for athletes who binge on hormone‑enhancing drugs, potentially heightening their cancer risk.

7 Triangle Of Death

The phrase “triangle” often hints at tragedy, and Italy’s so‑called Triangle of Death lives up to that reputation. Situated in Campania, the zone links the towns of Acerra, Nola, and Marigliano—territories under the sway of the Camorra, the region’s mafia‑like organization.

The Camorra has turned waste disposal into a lucrative racket, dumping toxic industrial sludge in wells, shallow pits, abandoned warehouses, and even rivers for a fraction of the legal cost. Thousands of illegal sites now pepper the countryside, leaching hazardous chemicals into soil and groundwater.

The health fallout is stark. Residents experience cancer rates that are more than double the national average for liver cancer, with elevated incidences of leukemia and many other malignancies. Young adults in their twenties and thirties develop cancers typically seen in the elderly. Additional consequences include birth defects and premature cellular aging, as telomere studies by the University of Naples have shown.

6 Teratomas

While cancer is already terrifying, some tumors look straight out of a nightmare. Teratomas—also known as dermoid cysts—originate from malignant cells of the female egg. Though the egg never becomes fertilized, the tumor can coax it into forming human‑like structures.

Most teratomas are benign, yet they can contain hair, teeth, nails, and even sweat glands. In rarer cases, surgeons have uncovered fully formed eyes, limbs, or malformed fetal‑like tissue within a single growth. A 2008 case in Colorado Springs saw a newborn’s brain harbor a tumor that, upon removal, revealed a tiny foot, a budding thigh, and a miniature hand.

These bizarre formations underscore the unpredictable ways cancer can mimic normal development, challenging both surgeons and pathologists.

5 Flash Photography

Before digital cameras became ubiquitous, the dreaded red‑eye effect haunted amateur photographers. The flash lights up the eye, and the blood‑rich retina reflects the light back, creating a glowing red pupil in photographs—especially noticeable in children.

One alarming medical sign linked to this phenomenon is retinoblastoma, a childhood eye cancer that can cause one eye to appear red while the other looks normal. An even more common warning sign is leukocoria, where the affected eye appears white instead of red because a tumor blocks the normal light reflection.

Early detection is crucial; treatment options range from chemotherapy to, in severe cases, enucleation (removal of the eye) to save the patient’s life.

4 Susan G. Komen For The Cure

Susan G. Komen for the Cure stands as the United States’ largest breast‑cancer charity, instantly recognizable by its pink ribbon. While the organization has undeniably funded valuable research and awareness, it has also courted controversy.

One point of criticism is “pinkwashing”: corporate sponsors such as Yoplait, Ford, and American Express are allowed to plaster the pink ribbon on their products in exchange for donations, blurring the line between philanthropy and marketing.

In 2012, Komen halted funding for Planned Parenthood’s mammogram program, citing an ongoing congressional investigation. Many observers saw the move as a politically motivated retaliation because Planned Parenthood also provides abortion services. The backlash was swift; donors like New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to fill the gap.

Similarly, the charity withdrew millions from institutions like Johns Hopkins and the University of Kansas that were conducting embryonic stem‑cell research, aligning with its pro‑life leadership. Critics also point to the organization’s financial practices, noting CEO Nancy Brinker earned $684,000 annually—an eye‑watering salary given the nonprofit’s revenue.

3 Warren Zevon

Warren Zevon, the rock‑and‑roll wordsmith famous for his macabre lyrics and collaborations with the Everly Brothers, Jackson Browne, and Mick Fleetwood, earned a reputation as a musical genius. His signature track, “Werewolves of London”, still haunts radio playlists.

In 2002, Zevon received a grim diagnosis: peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the abdominal lining linked to asbestos exposure. The tumor was inoperable, and Zevon declined chemotherapy, fearing it would sap his creative energy. Determined to finish his swan song, he completed the album The Wind, featuring guest appearances by Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty.

When his terminal status became public, Zevon told reporters he hoped to live long enough to see the next James Bond film, Die Another Day, which debuted in November 2002. He did—watching the movie, welcoming twin grandsons in June, and releasing his final record in August. Two weeks later, the musician passed away, leaving a legacy of artistry and resilience.

2 E‑Cigarettes

Although the concept of electronic cigarettes dates back to the early 1960s, their popularity surged in 2012. Nations worldwide grapple with how to classify the devices—whether as tobacco products, medical aids, or something entirely new. Regulations differ dramatically across the United States, with each state setting its own rules about indoor use and sales to minors.

E‑cigarettes work by heating a liquid that contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. While manufacturers market them as a healthier alternative to traditional smoking, a French study published in the National Consumer Institute found that some e‑cigarette vapors contain carcinogens comparable to those in regular cigarettes, such as formaldehyde and acrolein.

Long‑term, large‑scale research is still needed to determine the true cancer risk posed by these devices, leaving public health officials in a state of cautious uncertainty.

1 Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas, the Oscar‑winning actor best known for his role as Gordon Gekko in Wall Street, faced a harrowing health battle in August 2010 when he was diagnosed with stage IV throat cancer. He initially blamed his illness on years of hard living, heavy drinking, and smoking, compounded by personal stress after his eldest son was sentenced for drug trafficking.

During a candid interview with The Guardian’s Xan Brooks, Douglas made a startling claim: the cancer was caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which he said could be contracted through cunnilingus, and that oral sex was the “best cure” for his disease. After public backlash, his spokesperson attempted to clarify, asserting he had been misunderstood.

Medical facts confirm that HPV can indeed cause cancers of the cervix, anus, penis, vulva, vagina, and the oropharynx (throat, tonsils, and tongue). The CDC estimates that roughly 60% of oropharyngeal cancers are HPV‑related, amounting to about 12,000 cases annually in the United States. While vaccines exist to prevent HPV infection, no scientific evidence supports the notion that oral sex can cure cancer.

Douglas ultimately underwent chemotherapy and radiation, achieving remission before returning to his acting career.

According to WHO estimates, cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and the numbers keep climbing. Between 2010 and 2019, global cancer incidence jumped a staggering 26%, making it one of the deadliest and fastest‑growing diseases in human history. Yet, the story of cancer isn’t just one of tragedy; it’s also a saga of relentless scientific ingenuity. Below are 10 historical breakthroughs that have reshaped the fight against cancer, each a testament to human curiosity and perseverance.

10 Historical Breakthroughs Overview

The following list walks you through each milestone, from daring surgeries of the 19th century to the cutting‑edge genome‑mapping of the 21st. Grab a cup of coffee and travel through time as we celebrate the discoveries that have saved countless lives.

1 Mapping Of The Human Genome

The human genome was finally mapped in 2003, granting scientists unprecedented access to the full set of DNA instructions housed within a human cell. This monumental achievement opened the floodgates for understanding how genetic mutations drive diseases, especially cancer. With the entire blueprint at their fingertips, researchers could pinpoint the exact genetic alterations that turn a normal cell rogue.

Armed with this knowledge, doctors began crafting personalized therapies that zero in on specific genetic changes in tumor cells. One striking example came when scientists discovered that a subset of breast cancers carried an altered HER‑2 gene, prompting the production of an overactive growth‑promoting protein. This insight sparked the development of targeted drugs that block HER‑2, offering patients more effective treatment with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. The genome map also enabled a richer classification of tumors, ushering in an era where cancer care is tailored to the individual’s genetic makeup.

2 Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy has become a cornerstone in the battle against cancers that are sensitive to hormonal signals, most notably prostate and breast cancers. This approach traces its roots back to the pioneering work of Charles Huggins, a Canadian‑born American surgeon and urologist who proved that hormones could directly influence tumor growth.

Huggins demonstrated that prostate cancer could be stymied by either depriving the body of male hormones through surgical castration or by flooding the system with female hormones. His discoveries sparked a rapid adoption of hormonal manipulation as a therapeutic strategy, extending to breast cancer where estrogen‑blocking drugs now form a mainstay of treatment. In recognition of his groundbreaking work, Huggins, alongside Peyton Rous, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1966.

3 Immunotherapy

William Coley, often hailed as the ‘Father of Immunotherapy,’ laid the early foundations for harnessing the body’s own defenses against cancer. In 1891, he treated a patient with bone sarcoma by injecting a mixture of live and inactivated bacteria, observing dramatic tumor regression. This bold experiment suggested that stimulating the immune system could tip the scales in favor of the patient.

Coley’s work sparked a wave of interest that eventually led to the discovery of T‑cells and a deeper understanding of immune checkpoints. Decades later, modern immunotherapies—such as checkpoint inhibitors and CAR‑T cell therapy—have revolutionized treatment, delivering durable responses in cancers once deemed untreatable. The legacy of Coley’s daring experiment lives on in today’s cutting‑edge immune‑based therapies.

4 Discovery Of The Role Of Viruses

In 1910, Peyton Rous uncovered a filterable agent—later named the Rous sarcoma virus—that caused cancer in chickens. His experiments revealed that the virus could survive freezing, drying, and radiation, and that infected chickens produced antibodies, supporting the idea that viruses could be cancer‑causing agents.

By 1934, Rous identified another virus responsible for warts in jackrabbits that could progress to cancerous tumors. These findings opened the door to the concept that viruses could permanently alter host DNA without killing the cell, sowing the seeds for modern virology and the eventual discovery of oncogenic viruses such as HPV and EBV, which play critical roles in human cancers today.

5 P53 Protein

The p53 protein burst onto the scientific scene in the 1970s, with its first definitive identification appearing in 1984. As a tumor‑suppressor protein, p53 acts as the cell’s guardian, halting the cell cycle or triggering apoptosis when DNA damage threatens to turn normal cells malignant.

Over the years, researchers have uncovered a web of functions for p53, ranging from DNA repair to metabolic regulation and immune modulation. Understanding this network has propelled forward a slew of therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring p53’s function in tumors where it is mutated or inactivated, underscoring its pivotal role in modern cancer biology.

6 Environmental Factors

While today we recognize that pollutants, chemicals, and lifestyle choices can spark cancer, this insight was not always obvious. The first scientist to link an environmental exposure to cancer was Percivall Pott in 1775. He observed that chimney sweeps in London, constantly coated in soot, suffered an unusually high rate of scrotal cancer.

Pott’s groundbreaking observation highlighted occupational exposure as a genuine carcinogenic risk, paving the way for modern occupational health standards and deepening our understanding of how environmental agents—like tobacco smoke, asbestos, and UV radiation—contribute to cancer development.

7 Mustard Gas And Chemotherapy

Mustard gas, infamous for its devastating use as a chemical weapon in World War I, surprisingly became a catalyst for a new class of cancer treatment. Early 20th‑century researchers such as Dr. Edward and Helen Krumbhaar began probing mustard agents for medical use. By the 1940s, scientists had transformed mustard gas into sulfur and nitrogen mustard compounds suitable for chemotherapy.

World War II’s intense research into chemical warfare yielded crucial data on how mustard agents damage blood cells. Clinical trials soon demonstrated that nitrogen mustard could shrink tumors, establishing the first successful chemotherapeutic agents and setting the stage for the myriad of modern chemotherapy drugs we rely on today.

8 Discovery Of Radium

In 1898, the brilliant Polish‑French physicist Marie Curie uncovered the intensely radioactive element radium, a discovery that would forever alter cancer therapy. Early experiments showed radium’s capacity to annihilate diseased cells, leading to its widespread adoption for treating various skin cancers.

Before radium’s arrival, surgery was the primary—and often painful—method for tumor removal. Radium therapy, sometimes dubbed “Curie Therapy,” offered a non‑surgical alternative by delivering focused radiation directly to malignant cells. However, the lack of safety protocols and limited understanding of radium’s properties also introduced serious health risks, including anemia, cataracts, fractured teeth, and even secondary cancers.

9 X‑Rays And Radiation Therapy

The discovery of X‑rays by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1895 sparked a revolution in cancer treatment. One of the earliest pioneers, Chicago chemist and physician Emil Grubbe, harnessed X‑ray radiation in 1896 to treat a patient with recurrent breast cancer, marking perhaps the first documented use of radiation therapy against cancer.

Grubbe’s technique involved shielding healthy tissue with lead while directing the X‑ray beam at the tumor, with each session lasting about an hour—a considerable commitment at the time. Nevertheless, his work laid the groundwork for the sophisticated radiation therapies that now target tumors with pinpoint accuracy, sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

10 Halsted’s Mastectomy

Named after visionary surgeon William Stewart Halsted, the Halsted mastectomy emerged in the late‑19th century as a radical departure from earlier breast‑cancer surgeries. The procedure involved removing the entire breast, the underlying chest muscles, and nearby lymph nodes to ensure no cancerous cells were left behind.

Halsted believed that such an extensive operation would dramatically improve long‑term survival and curb disease recurrence. While modern techniques have refined and often reduced the invasiveness of breast‑cancer surgery, the core principle of meticulous tissue removal and careful preservation of healthy structures remains a lasting legacy of Halsted’s pioneering work.

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell. In fact, canines are equipped with over 100 million sensory receptors within their nasal cavity, whereas humans possess about six million. Additionally, dogs also have a second olfactory system that not only allows them to pick up on physical smells but also allows them to detect pheromones, human emotions, and even the presence of storms.

Given their powerful noses, it’s no wonder dogs have been used in hunting, trained to sniff out bombs or drugs, and assisted in search and rescue missions.

However, the 10 dogs on this list were able to accurately detect a much more important, typically undetectable odor in their owners—cancer. And they did so long before their human companions were ever diagnosed by a healthcare professional.

Related: Top 10 Dogs With Unusual Jobs

10 Sierra the Siberian Husky

When Stephanie Herfel’s son left for the Air Force in 2011, she took in his nine-month-old Siberian husky puppy, Sierra. Little did Herfel know what a gift Sierra would truly be.

One day in 2013, Sierra began sniffing and pressing her nose into Herfel’s abdomen. At first, Herfel assumed that perhaps the dog smelled food that she had spilled on her shirt. However, the substance Sierra detected was startling enough to make her roll up into a ball and hide in the closet.

While Herfel had previously experienced pain in her abdomen, she was advised by an ER physician that she had an ovarian cyst and was sent home with pain medication. Given Sierra’s reaction, Herfel made an appointment with her gynecologist. On November 11, 2013, her doctor confirmed that she had stage 3 ovarian cancer.

Herfel had a full hysterectomy, lost her spleen, and continued chemotherapy until April 2014. Unfortunately, in 2015, Sierra again exhibited the same behavior as in 2013 when she “smelled” Herfel’s cancer. Sierra was right again—the cancer had returned—but this time in Herfel’s liver. Sierra also confirmed a third recurrence of cancer in 2016.

Sadly, Herfel passed away on July 8, 2021, at 54, after an eight-year battle with ovarian cancer and acute myeloid leukemia. However, had it not been for Sierra’s keen sense of smell, Herfel may not have had the additional eight years with her family.^[1]

9 Heidi the German Shepherd-Lab Mix

Anne Wills’s dog Heidi, a German shepherd-lab mix, worked as a search and rescue dog. While Heidi had saved thousands of lives, Wills could never have imagined that Heidi would also save her life.

In February 2015, Heidi began exhibiting strange behaviors each time Wills would sit down—refusing to let Wills up, scratching her arm, and panting excessively, almost as if in a panic. From there, Heidi began pressing her nose into Wills’s chest, taking deep breaths.

Assuming something was wrong with her canine companion, Wills took Heidi to the vet. However, after Heidi received a clean bill of health, Wills realized that Heidi might, in fact, be sensing something was wrong with her instead.

Wills made an appointment to see her doctor, and after being sent for a CAT scan, she was informed that she had lung cancer. She underwent surgery along with intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments with Heidi by her side every step of the way. Sadly, Heidi passed away from cancer on December 24, 2015.^[2]

8 Victoria the Treeing Walker Coonhound

Lauren Gauthier of Buffalo, New York, is the founder of Magic’s Mission Beagle and Hound Rescue, an animal rescue organization that saves dogs from abusive and neglectful situations.

In 2017, Gauthier took in Victoria, a treeing walker coonhound with an infected eye, who had been surrendered by a hunter. Gauthier never realized that not only was she saving Victoria but that Victoria would also save her.

In the spring of 2017, Victoria began staring at Gauthier’s face and putting her nose directly on an area that Gauthier had assumed was simply a pimple or blemish. Victoria would repeatedly touch Gauthier’s nose, look at her, and then smell the area again. When Victoria’s behavior persisted, Gauthier decided to see a doctor.

Gauthier had a biopsy, revealing that the “dot” on her face was actually a basal cell carcinoma. However, thanks to Victoria’s heightened senses and persistence with her owner, Gauthier was able to catch the skin cancer in the early stages and undergo surgery to have it removed.^[3]

7 Troy the Doberman Pinscher

Diane Papazian and her husband Harry already owned a fox terrier. However, in 2011, Harry insisted they add Troy, a four-month-old Doberman pinscher, to their family. Given Papazian’s allergies, she was a bit hesitant, but she and her husband ended up bringing Troy into the family… a month earlier than expected. What Papazian did not yet understand was that Troy was meant to come into her life at the time he did.

As the tiny pup was lying in bed with the couple, Troy continued to nuzzle against Papazian’s left side, which caused an allergic reaction to her skin. As Papazian began scratching, she noticed a lump in her left breast.

Papazian had undergone a routine mammogram six months prior, and the results were normal, but after feeling the mass, she got in touch with her doctor. That lump turned out to be stage 2 breast cancer. Papazian had a double mastectomy, started chemotherapy treatments, and was later deemed cancer free, all thanks to their new pup.^[4]

6 Daisy-May the West Highland Terrier

In April 2017, 68-year-old Thelly Price’s west highland terrier, Daisy-May, began constantly sniffing around Price’s neck and throat. At first, Price couldn’t see or feel anything that would contribute to Daisy-May’s strange behavior. However, Daisy-May’s nose was spot on.

On May 17, 2017, Price went to the doctor after noticing a lump in the exact area that Daisy-May had been sniffing. Her doctor assumed she had a fatty lump, but after being referred to an ear, nose, and throat clinic for further evaluation, Price was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Thankfully, due to Daisy-May’s keen sense of smell and early detection, Price was able to undergo surgery without the need for radiation or chemotherapy.^[5]

5 Kransky the Miniature Dachsund

As Claire Seeber was curled up on the couch talking to her mother shortly after the Christmas of 2019, her “mini-sausage dog,” Kransky, began incessantly sniffing a mole on her right calf. While Seeber laughed at the tickling sensation, what Kransky discovered was no laughing matter.

Seeber explained her laughter to her mother and what was going on during their call. Given Kransky’s behavior, her mother urged her to get checked out. However, Seeber brushed off Kransky’s actions and her mother’s advice as simple paranoia. Nevertheless, Seeber’s mother wouldn’t back down, so she finally gave in and made an appointment.

As soon as her doctor took one look at the mole, he insisted that it needed to be removed and sent for biopsy. A few days later, Seeber’s doctor confirmed that she had a cancerous melanoma.

Seeber was scheduled for surgery to remove the surrounding cells and ensure that all of the cancer was gone. Thankfully, the surgery was a success which meant Seeber would not need any radiation or chemotherapy treatments, and best of all, Kransky was by her side the entire time.^[6]

4 Lola the Chihuahua

Approximately 10 days before Christmas 2020, 41-year-old Tess Robison’s chihuahua, Lola, began acting incredibly strange—smelling Tess’s breath, staring at her, and acting more needy than usual. Then, in a desperate attempt to get Robison’s attention, Lola jumped on her stomach. Two days later, a lump appeared.

Robison immediately made an appointment with her doctor, but it was uncertain what the mass was. Robison was then referred to several different hospitals before being diagnosed with stage 3 low-grade serous carcinoma, a rare form of ovarian cancer, in January 2021.

In March 2021, Robison underwent a 12-hour surgery in which a full hysterectomy was done. However, during the operation, doctors also discovered that cancer had spread to Robison’s bowels. Between the surgery and regular chemotherapy treatments, Robinson is now on the road to recovery.^[7]

3 Broady the Newfoundland

Forty-five-year-old Lucy Gies of Didcot, Oxfordshire, adopted Broady, a 154-pound (11-stone) Newfoundland in July of 2021 when his previous family was no longer able to care for him. Unbeknownst to Giles, the “gentle giant” would be more of a blessing than she would ever realize.

By September 2021, Broady began acting strange, and each time Giles would sit down, he would sniff and nuzzle her right armpit. Initially, Giles assumed Broady simply wanted extra attention. However, one morning as Giles was taking a shower, she decided to do a breast exam. That’s when she felt a lump in her right armpit.

Giles’s doctor believed that the lump was hormone related, but when weeks passed with no change, Giles was sent to the hospital for testing. Giles was diagnosed with HER-2 positive breast cancer and was told she also had cancer cells in her lymph nodes.

In October 2021, Giles began six rounds of chemotherapy, then had a lumpectomy followed by radiation treatment. Giles is currently still going through chemotherapy.^[8]

2 Bessie the Cairn Terrier

Ron Wain and his partner of Newhall, Yorkshire, rescued their Cairn terrier, Bessie, when she was only 10 months old. However, in 2018, after spending 12 years with the couple, Bessie exhibited behavior that was out of character, such as constantly watching Wain’s every move, following him around, and laying on his chest.

Around the same time Bessie began behaving strangely, Wain noticed he was having to make more trips to the restroom than normal. In light of Bessie’s odd behavior and his increased restroom visits, Wain decided to bring the issue to his doctor’s attention. Wain was then diagnosed with bladder cancer.

Unfortunately, Wain’s first operation was unsuccessful in removing all the cancer, so he opted for a bacterial treatment, which uses a strain of tuberculosis called bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) to treat non-invasive bladder cancers. Once Wain was at the end of his treatment, he was told his cancer had cleared. Bessie, too, stopped following Wain around and went back to her normal behavior.^[9]

1 Buster the Jack Russell Terrier

In the spring of 2014, Mike Wagner of Deering, New Hampshire, was lying in bed without a shirt when his dog Buster, a Jack Russell terrier, laid his head on Wagner’s chest and began nudging him. It was then that Wagner noticed a lump on his chest.

Wagner didn’t think too much of the lump and continued his work as a logger for the next few months. However, he began to notice that while he was working and pulling wood, every time he moved his arm, he got an odd feeling in his chest.

Wagner then made an appointment to get checked out. He was referred to a breast cancer center where a biopsy was done, and he was diagnosed with breast cancer. Wagner underwent surgery to remove the cancer, but during the procedure, the doctor realized it had also spread into Wagner’s lymph nodes.

In an attempt to rid his body of cancer, Wagner then went through five months of chemotherapy and six months of radiation. He officially had his last treatment on October 2, 2015.^[10]