Most everyday pain is caused by conditions unrelated to cancer, including muscle strain, arthritis, injuries, nerve problems, and inflammation.
However, persistent pain without a clear explanation, particularly pain that progressively worsens or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, should be evaluated.
For example, ongoing bone pain or persistent back pain may have many causes. The location and characteristics of the pain, together with a person's medical history, determine what testing may be appropriate.
The important point is not to panic over ordinary aches and pains — but also not to ignore pain that is unusual, persistent, or progressively worsening.
6. Skin Changes That Don't Resolve
Your skin can sometimes provide clues that something is changing inside the body.
A mole that changes in size, shape, color, or border deserves attention. The same applies to a new skin growth that continues to change or a sore that repeatedly bleeds, crusts, or fails to heal.
For melanoma, dermatologists commonly use the ABCDE approach:
A — Asymmetry: One half looks different from the other.
B — Border: The edges are irregular, uneven, or poorly defined.
C — Color: There are multiple or unusual colors.
D — Diameter: The lesion is larger than about 6 millimeters, although melanomas can be smaller.
E — Evolving: The most important factor — the spot is changing.
Not every unusual mole is cancerous, but changing lesions should be professionally assessed.
7. Persistent Changes in Digestion or Bowel Habits
Changes in bowel habits are extremely common and are often related to diet, stress, medications, infections, or digestive disorders.