Minnesota Woman Credits Her Dog for Sniffing Out Breast Cancer Before Doctors

Breanna Bortner from Minnesota says her dog, Mochi, might have saved her life by detecting her breast cancer before any doctor did. Mochi, a two-year-old cockapoo, started behaving oddly — focusing his attention on the exact spot where Breanna found a lump in her breast. This was a new trick for the pup, who’d never shown such concern even when Breanna was unwell before.

In 2023, Breanna discovered the lump and, while waiting for her biopsy, noticed Mochi couldn’t leave her side. It was almost as if he knew what was coming — and he was right. When the biopsy confirmed it was stage 2B triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma, Breanna realized Mochi had sensed it all along. Talk about a sixth sense — or maybe a super sniffer.

Triple-negative breast cancer is a tough diagnosis, with fewer treatment options since the cells lack certain hormone receptors. Once diagnosed, Breanna’s treatment moved fast: sixteen rounds of chemotherapy over five and a half months. She said even the word "chemotherapy" was daunting, so she reframed it as "healing sessions" to help herself cope.

Mochi continued to be her loyal companion through it all. Everyday routines like feeding and walking the dog kept Breanna motivated, even on her lowest days. Mochi was there for every nap, every cry, and even got a little creative — digging through the trash for Breanna’s hair as it fell out during treatment, just to be close to her scent. Now that’s devotion, even if it’s a little gross.

Nearly a year after finishing treatment, Breanna is channeling her experience into helping others, offering guidance and support to those going through their own cancer journeys. She’s now mentoring others, finding meaning in the full-circle moment.

Experts aren’t too surprised by Mochi’s talent. Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor at NYU Langone Health, explained that dogs have an "exquisite sense of smell" and can detect abnormal proteins associated with cancer. Artificial intelligence is even being used to mimic this canine superpower. Dr. Pashtoon Kasi, a medical director at City of Hope, confirmed that animals can pick up on changes in bodily fluids or even breath, sniffing out signs of cancer that humans might miss.

For Breanna, Mochi wasn’t just a pet — he was a lifesaver, a comfort, and one persistent trash digger. It just goes to show, sometimes the best support comes with four legs and a very wet nose.