Heartbeat: Simba’s sniff saves life – dog detects cancer in colleague
November 28, 2022
When colleague Theresa Field’s dog started pawing at her chest, she thought he was just being affectionate.
But for two weeks puppy Simba, a cross boxer breed, wouldn’t leave her alone.
Eventually she felt around her breast area where the dog was snuggling into and discovered a lump. Knowing it could be serious Theresa, who works as an admin in occupational health and wellbeing, contacted her GP and was quickly diagnosed with breast cancer.
The mum-of-one, aged 50 said: “Simba is my superhero – I believe he’s saved my life.
“I had him for 10 months when he just began behaving differently around my body. He would jump up onto the sofa and start nudging my breast. I kept pushing him away but he was really insistent.
“He wouldn’t leave me alone. It was really out of the blue, so I did think it was strange. Simba had been trying to tell me something was really wrong for two weeks but initially I just thought he was after a bit of attention.”
She added: “Eventually I thought I’d better check as you hear these stories about dogs having a sixth sense, and as I felt around the area I discovered the lump.
“I’m so glad that he persevered – as if I had left it any longer my condition would have worsened.”
After finding the lump on 5 August, Theresa didn’t hesitate in booking an appointment with her GP and she was immediately referred to City Hospital’s rapid access clinic within the breast unit.
“I went along and had all the testing done with the results coming back really quickly,” she explained. “The clinic was amazing and the staff working there have been so supportive.”
Theresa will now undergo an operation to remove the lump and her left breast.
She added: “I never really thought about checking my breasts for lumps, but this shows you how important it is. I want to raise awareness around this so that women check themselves regularly. If you’ve got an animal and it starts acting strangely around your body, then please get checked out and don’t ignore it. I’d also urge women to attend their routine breast screening appointments as well.
“These last few weeks have been extremely difficult but imagine how much worse it could have been had I not been alerted to the lump so early on.”
Theresa will undergo a course of radiotherapy after her operation.
She added: “I’ll have Simba with me at home supporting me throughout which I’m so thankful for.”
Claire Murphy, Health Promotions Specialist, said: “We would urge everyone to regularly check their breasts for any changes and report any symptoms to your GP.
“Women registered with a GP will be invited for NHS breast screening every three years between the ages of 50 and 71. Women aged over 71 can also attend breast screenings every three years, but they must self-refer by calling the screening office to book an appointment.
“Mammograms are performed by female mammographers who are trained to help you feel more comfortable and provide support with any questions or concerns you may have.
“As well as attending routine breast screening when ladies receive an invite, it is important to be breast aware and report any changes to their GP.”