High acceptance of trained scent detection dogs for postoperative surveillance among cancer survivors: A prospective survey on willingness, motivators, and barriers.

Abstract

e23184 Background: Canine olfaction can detect cancer-specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with high accuracy, yet its integration into patient-centered surveillance has not been explored. Conventional post-operative monitoring relies on repeated imaging and blood tests, imposing physical, financial, and psychosocial burdens. We evaluated patient acceptance of a novel home-based surveillance model using trained scent detection dogs for cancer recurrence monitoring and psychosocial support. Methods: We conducted a prospective single-center survey of 320 adults with stage I–III lung (n = 160) or colorectal cancer (n = 160) within 3–24 months after curative surgery. All participants received a standardized 60-minute educational intervention delivered by a research nurse and oncologist, including evidence on canine VOC detection, training demonstrations, and Q&A. Surveys were completed the following day and assessed willingness to adopt a trained dog, perceived benefits, barriers, and psychosocial impact. Validated HADS subscales and demographic and clinical variables were collected. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of willingness. Results: Overall, 89.4% (286/320) of patients expressed willingness to consider a trained detection dog for home-based surveillance. Key motivators included reduced hospital visits (92%), avoidance of radiation exposure (87%), avoidance of blood draws (85%), and companionship to reduce anxiety (78%). Willingness was higher among patients ≥65 years (96% vs. 82%; p < 0.01) and those living alone (94% vs. 86%; p < 0.05). Willingness was not associated with sex, education level, income, or prior pet ownership (all p > 0.05). Among unwilling patients (10.6%), barriers included fear of dogs (41%), allergies (29%), and caregiving concerns (21%). After education, 91% of participants believed trained dogs could detect cancer recurrence. Conclusions: This first patient-centered evaluation demonstrates high and demographically broad acceptance of scent detection dogs as a novel home-based cancer surveillance strategy. Acceptance was strongest among older and socially isolated patients and was driven by both practical and psychosocial benefits. These findings support pilot studies assessing feasibility, clinical performance, and survivorship impact of this integrative bio-detection model.