Dog’s Sniffing Saves Woman from Deadly Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Colleen Ferguson, a 70-year-old woman from Headcorn, Kent, credits her German Shepherd, Inca, with saving her life by persistently sniffing her breath, ultimately leading to a critical cancer diagnosis. After several weeks of unusual behaviour from her dog, Ferguson sought medical advice, resulting in a discovery that would change her life.

Initially, Ferguson noticed Inca, who was just two years old at the time, obsessively sniffing her breath. Concerned, she consulted her general practitioner (GP), believing the behaviour might relate to her gluten intolerance. Despite undergoing dental checks and other tests that returned negative results, Inca’s insistence on sniffing her mouth did not wane. Months later, Ferguson opted for a full-body scan, leading to a startling revelation.

In June 2015, Ferguson received a call from her doctor confirming the presence of a “golf ball-sized tumour” in her left lung, diagnosed as stage one cancer. This news shocked her, as she had experienced no significant symptoms beyond general fatigue, which she attributed to her busy lifestyle as a teacher.

Reflecting on Inca’s behaviour, Ferguson stated, “Her behaviour towards me changed. She just started homing in on my mouth. Every time she could get a sniff of my mouth, she would frown.” The urgency of the diagnosis was underscored by her surgeon’s remark, “We never catch it at stage one; your dog has saved your life.”

Following the diagnosis, a spot on the surgery waiting list became available for Ferguson, allowing her to undergo the tumour removal procedure later that year. Fortunately, no further treatment was needed. More than a decade later, she embraces life with renewed vigour, having left her teaching career to pursue a master’s degree in creative writing, achieving her long-held dream of becoming a published author.

Ferguson emphasizes the significance of her bond with Inca, stating, “Every day is special with her. To catch it at stage one is just remarkable.” She acknowledged the potential consequences had the cancer gone undetected, saying, “I don’t know how I would have survived with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.”

Inca, now aged 13, has been trained as a recovery assistance dog to support Ferguson, who has experienced anxiety and panic attacks following her ordeal. Ferguson highlights the profound impact of her canine companion, noting, “Dogs give us a lot more comfort than we realize. I was very scared.”

With a focus on raising awareness, Ferguson encourages others to pay attention to their dogs’ behaviours. “They tell you a lot more subtle signals than people realize,” she said. Her story serves as a reminder of the special bond between humans and their pets, showcasing how intuition and instinct can lead to life-saving interventions.