Exploring new ways to prevent the spread of cancer, medical scientists are actively implementing the most ambitious ideas. One of them is about involving animals not only in the research processes but also in the diagnosis and treatment of various types of cancer. Dogs as the most social domestic animals endowed with highly developed sensory abilities, are making a huge contribution to mankind’s fight against deadly cancers. Different dog breeds have various characteristics, but each of them can be part of a supportive community that helps to cope with this problem at different stages.
Phenomenal Powers of Dogs for Cancer Identification
The first thing you probably already know about is the incredible role that highly sensitive pets can play in identifying new methods of cancer diagnosis. So already research proves that dog breeds such as Labrador and Retriever can smell cancer by the odor of a patient’s breath or secretions. Most of these cases must allow cancer detection at the earliest stages when cellular changes do not yet cause any suspicious symptoms in a human.
Also exploring the propensity of brachycephalic breeds of dogs (bulldogs, mastiffs, boxers, etc.) to form brain tumors, Swedish medical doctors have conducted extensive work to find genes that may also signal a predisposition to the appearance of gliomas in humans. The received results can be successfully used in early diagnosis practice and prevention of the formation of these types of oncology.
Creating Diagnostic Applications Based on Canine Behavior
The sphere of the newest innovations has also actively joined the global fight against cancer. Israeli doctors are already actively using the abilities of Artificial Intelligence in their experiments. Not so long ago, the startup SpotitEarly presented an application that allows you to determine the early stages of 4 different types of malignant tumors. Interestingly, the technique is also based on the diagnostic skills of trained dogs. “Electronic nose” as it has already been nicknamed medics, was created based on research in which trained dogs identified the presence of cancer by the smell of breath of patients and a control group of healthy people. AI technology analyzed the behavior and reactions of the pet diagnostician and summarized the results. The accuracy of the method was more than 93%. The method will significantly speed up processes and bring the field of cancer diagnostics to a new level.
Service Dog for Oncology Patients Assistance
Assistance Dogs are active participants in treatment and rehabilitation programs for cancer patients. The world community has long been familiar with service dogs for the blind and hearing impaired. But cancer patients also quite often need a special escort. And guide dogs do a great job with these tasks.
These pets are trained to accompany patients with complex forms of cancer who have difficulty with mobility. Specialized dogs are trained in canine centers, teaching them not only to assist a person in opening/closing doors, lifting things from the floor, and turning off lights or domestic devices. Service dogs’ main ability is to recognize danger and call for help when needed.
Therapy Dogs as Emotional Support During Anti-Cancer Therapy
The benefits of dogs for keeping a positive emotional background are undeniable. The psychological support that pets can provide during the difficult stages of anti-cancer therapy reaches the highest level. Chemotherapy sessions have an incredibly intense impact on both the physical and emotional health of a person. And dogs can help patients cope with these difficult periods of treatment. Having a dog by the patient’s side has been proven to significantly reduce anxiety, improve mood, and calm them down. Depressive states are not an uncommon consequence of long courses of anti-cancer medications. However, a therapy dog nearby can effectively help people maintain emotional well-being and reduce stress levels.
The important role dogs have played in the world’s fight against cancer cannot be undervalued. Humans have chosen the best companion so that mutual help and support become the basis for positive changes on the way to overcoming important problems. The abilities of dogs, which we have only just begun to explore, are already making an incredibly positive change in the diagnosis and treatment of these complex diseases.
