National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month

(C) 2022, from the Dog's Paw!

 

Woofs! Barkingly, May has been designated as the "National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month! It was designated to remind humans of the dangers of spending hours upon hours outside in the sunshine, especially mid-day, without any sunscreen protection. 

Our human, Dad, loves to be outdoors this time of year. He loves doing his yard work, going for walks or hikes, and washing the car, anything to get him outside, wearing just a pair of shorts taking in all the sun rays he can! WOOFS! Now, that's a sight, er, uh, bark.

He tends to get a dark tan unless he stays outside too long at one time, especially at the beginning of the season, then he gets a sunburn. Instead of risking sunburn, he'll have Mom spray some sunscreen. He regularly uses the highest-rated sunscreen he can find, especially at the beginning of the season to protect himself. 

Barkingly, not only does Dad use sunscreen to protect himself, he'll see a dermatologist regularly for a skin exam. Doing this allows a professional to notice and track any spots on the skin which could lead to skin cancer. If caught early, many skin cancers can be prevented from spreading. Also, as Mom points out, "it's better to have a third set of eyes looking for the spots since it's easy for spouses who see each other every day to possibly miss something." 

Dad prefers to get his suntan naturally, not by using tanning beds. As it turns out, humans who use these devices, especially if they start at a young age, increase their risk of getting melanoma by 75%. Paws, UV radiation can lead to premature skin aging, wrinkles, loose skin, brown spots as well as skin cancer. Barks. 

Barks, woofingly, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Paws, when treated early, it's pawssibly curable. Melanomas are less prevalent but are the most dangerous as they are likely to spread to other body areas. 

Barkingly, discuss whether your doctor about limiting or avoiding exposure to sunlight. Every human is different and we can't paw about what we think is best for everyone. Pawingly, completely staying out of the sun isn't exactly healthy either. Woofs, as far as Dad goes, if he had to stay inside all the time never going outside to enjoy the sunlight, he would drive Mom, me, Noah, and Samson so crazy it may not be good - for him. WOOFS! 

Bark, a topic for discussion with your dog's Veterinarian, is how sunlight and skin cancer can affect them too. Cats are less likely to get skin cancer unless they are outside a pawful lot. Paws, one of my young dog girlfriends got Melanoma. 

Paws, skin cancer can affect humans of all skin tones, including darker complexions. Barks.