The Emotional Impact of Breast Cancer

Hearing the words “she’s got breast cancer” can bring tears, a knot in your stomach, or even anger. It affects us all—whether it’s a wife, sister, daughter, mother, co-worker, or friend. Breast cancer is life-changing: pain, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and the fear of a shortened life.

Thanks to advances in early detection and medical therapy, many women now have a story of survival instead of a death sentence. Yet, for some, diagnosis comes too late, the disease is aggressive, or access to care is limited. The progress we’ve made is built on decades of research, some of which comes from studying mammary tumors in dogs.

Dogs and Breast Cancer: A Shared Journey

Dogs can also develop mammary tumors, which have served as research models for human breast cancer. Many breakthroughs in human medicine are linked to discoveries made in canine studies—but sadly, our dogs haven’t benefitted as much.

In humans, survival hinges on two keys: early detection and effective treatment. While mammograms aren’t available for dogs, we rely on owners to detect lumps and seek care quickly.

Treatment Options for Dogs

Unlike humans, dogs currently lack widely accepted chemotherapy or radiation programs for mammary tumors. Surgical removal is the main treatment. Prompt intervention is critical: waiting or taking a “watch and see” approach can allow a treatable condition to become life-threatening.

Early surgical intervention gives the best outcomes, and size matters—larger dogs and larger tumors are more likely to be malignant. Just like in humans, early detection and treatment improve long-term survival.

Prevention is Key

Mammary tumors in dogs are nearly 100% preventable if female dogs are spayed before age 2—or ideally before their first heat cycle.

However, spaying isn’t without potential risks. Research indicates spayed dogs may have higher risks for urinary incontinence, osteosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumors, and hypothyroidism. Each dog’s care must be individualized, balancing risks and benefits rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. Public policy and population control considerations should never override the health needs of an individual dog.

Early Detection: The Pink Paw Program

For dogs that are not spayed early, early detection is critical. This is simple:

• Monthly at-home checks by the owner.
• Biannual veterinary palpation during routine visits.
• Professional groomers can assist with hands-on checks.

The Pink Paw program ensures nearly all mammary tumors are detected early, allowing surgical removal and a high chance of cure.

A Healthy Lifestyle Matters

As with humans, a healthy lifestyle benefits dogs:

• Balanced diet
• Regular exercise
• Healthy weight management
• Preventive veterinary care
• Good genetics

Combined with early detection and appropriate spaying decisions, these factors support longevity and quality of life.

How to Perform Monthly Pet Checks: Step by Step

Even if your dog wasn’t spayed early, regular monthly checks can catch lumps early when treatment is most effective. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Prepare
Find a quiet spot where your dog feels comfortable. Have treats on hand for positive reinforcement.

Step 2: Visual Inspection
Look for swelling, redness, or changes along the mammary line, from the chest to the hind legs.

Step 3: Palpation
Using gentle pressure, feel each mammary gland for lumps or irregularities. Compare sides for consistency.

Step 4: Record & Monitor
Keep a monthly log of your findings. Note size, location, and any changes over time.

Step 5: Act Quickly
If you detect any unusual lumps or changes, contact your veterinarian promptly. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

Tip: Small lumps found early are often completely treatable with surgery.

Looking Ahead

With ongoing research into prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment, both humans and dogs can look forward to long, healthy lives free of this devastating disorder.

Support Mammary Cancer Research

You can help advance research in canine mammary cancer by supporting the Excellence in Companion Animal Mammary Cancer Research Fund at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine.

Every contribution helps fund research that could improve prevention, early detection, and treatment for dogs—and advance knowledge that may benefit humans as well.

Explore donation options here. Every donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50—meaning your gift goes twice as far to help save pets’ lives.