Note: Spots is not a licensed medical professional (yet), just a dog very passionate about everyone having the best possible health possible. None of the contents of this article are a substitute for advice from your physician or care team. But it would make a great conversation starter!
There are few things that are constant and agreed upon in this world. But I can tell you one right now: Cancer sucks. It has taken so many good people and animals from us far too soon. However, there is hope. There’s a lot of hope, really; new experimental therapies are coming out all the time that show real promise.
But what if you didn’t need all that? Cancer is easiest to treat, and typically far more curable, when it is found early. The best time to fix something is as soon as something’s broken, right? So it goes with cancer, as well. And I’m here to advocate for you to advocate for yourself! You are the one living in your body, so you’re the best one to take charge of your own health.
It starts at home. Ladies, we’re all told to check ourselves in the shower, but how many of us are actually doing that? Guys, you too. Learning about your body, and what is normal and not normal “there”, can be a very powerful way to protect your health.
If you feel off, especially if you don’t have the appetite you used to or you have a real lack of energy you’re not used to – go to your GP and have yourself checked! It probably isn’t anything serious; there’s a lot of things that could be happening. Virtually any of them (even the serious ones) can be treated. But you can’t be on the road to healing until you’ve started walking down it, and that starts with a GP visit.
Screenings are also vital. There are programmes available in the UK (external link to Cancer Research UK), in the US (external link to American Cancer Society), and in Australia (external link to Australian Government) for this, including free and low-cost options. I’m sure most countries have similar offerings, but these are the ones I’m most familiar with. It might seem scary, and in some ways it is; but knowing what is going on in your body will empower you. Whatever is there, is there, whether you know or not. If you know, you can treat, and if you treat, you have a higher chance of survival.
And of course, eliminate risk factors you can control. Easing off the drink, quitting smoking, and proper exercise are ones we all know, or at least ones we all should know. There are more things you can do, though. Did you know air pollution can lead to lung cancer (external link to JAMA review)? Your mobile can tell you the air quality in your location. Spend time outdoors when the air quality is better, and you can improve your health in many ways!
As we head into spring and summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s also time to really think about sunscreen too. It’s not just for the beach or park – sun exposure anywhere can lead to skin cancer (external link to US CDC), and the sun’s harmful UV rays can even pass through the clouds! There are a lot of ways to stay safe (external link to Cancer Research UK) while having fun in the sun.
Remember that knowledge is power, and you are your own best advocate for your body. I wish you good health and a happy Spring, dear reader!
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