Doctor shares two signs your pain could be cancer - and when to see GP
Dr Deborah Lee, of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, has shared the tell-tale signs that pain could actually be an indicator that you have cancer - and explains what you should do once you've identified it
A doctor has highlighted two worrying signs that your pain might actually be cancer - and when it's time to book an appointment with your GP. Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy has shared crucial insights on how to distinguish everyday muscle aches from the possibility of something far more concerning.
She pointed out that if you're experiencing a specific pain that persists for over three weeks, it's essential to see your GP. This advice is particularly pertinent as statistics show that approximately 38 in every 100 individuals diagnosed with cancer will endure moderate to severe pain at some stage during their illness.
Discussing the reasons behind pain in cancer patients, Dr Lee stated: "Although not every cancer patient experiences pain, most cancer patients do have pain at some point in their illness. As cancer cells grow, they press on the surrounding tissues. They also cause inflammation and swelling. Some cancers produce chemicals that heighten the sensation of pain."
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Cancer can cause a wide spectrum of pain sensations, from dull and aching to sharp and throbbing, and it can affect various parts of the body such as the head, chest, back, limbs, abdomen, legs, and beyond. The key indicators of pain associated with cancer are its persistence and failure to subside.
Dr Lee emphasised the importance of being vigilant about bodily discomforts, stating: "It's important to take note of any aches and pains - we all get these from time to time. On the whole, these pains get better by themselves and go away. However, as a tell-tale sign, if you have a new pain that is persistent and not getting better after a period of three weeks, you should see your GP.", reports the Mirror.
The medic also stressed that while such pains don't necessarily mean cancer, it's crucial to get checked out. Dr Lee continued: "If you start getting pain that is unusual for you, keep a record of the pain. Write down when it tends to come on, what type of pain it is, how long it lasts, and what tends to make it better or worse."
He further advised: "[Write] how bad the pain is on a scale of one to 10, with one being mild and 10 being the worst pain you can imagine. If the pain is persistent and not improving over three weeks or so, take your pain diary and discuss this with your GP."
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