Breast Cancer

Question
I took my pet rat, Xena, who is 2 years old, to the vet as she'd suddenly developed a large lump over night.  The vet, PDSA, as I'm on Income Support,  is going to operate on her on 8th of October, and told me that because of the strong bond she has with me that the 50/50 chance of her coming through it would be the better option.  He told me that Xena was not in pain as yet, however, if the lump got bigger she would find it difficult to walk and experience a lot of pain.

If she gets through this, how can I prevent the Cancer coming back? Or any prevention that I could undertake to keep her Cancer free.  I'm asking you because, like I said it's the PDSA that is doing this for her and I feel I shouldn't pressure them more that what they are already doing for her.

Rosina & Xena

Answer
You're doing right to remove it now, before it gets too big! Most mammary tumors found in rats are not in fact cancerous and are instead benign - did they biopsy? Regardless of whether they're malignant or benign however, there's no way to avoid it reoccuring altogether. Spaying may help, as it reduces the amount of estrogen in her body and mammary tumors are usually estrogen fueled - but other than that, there really isn't much to do.. watch her diet (be sure it's healthy) and activity level and keep johnny on the spot with vet care as she needs it. Much of what happens to a rat, health-wise over the course of their life; is genetically predetermined.. which can be really rough when you're not sure what their background is!

I hope Xena comes through surgery well!