Re: Do animals get skin cancer?

Dear Alicia,

Animals can get skin cancer just like humans. However, most animals are better adapted to prolonged sun exposure (which can lead to some forms of skin cancer) because their skin is protected by fur, feathers, and/or dark pigmentation. Animals in the wild may tend to stay out of the sun when it's hot, and many are nocturnal. Some dogs' noses are particularly susceptible to sunburn. And my aunt applies suscreen every day to her large pink pig, who has already had one skin lesion removed by the veterinarian.

Hope this answers your question.

Sharon Shriver, Ph.D. University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute