17 september 2024 : Pain Awareness Month: Recognizing Cancer-Related Pain
The hustle and bustle of daily life and increasing work pressure often lead to various types of pain. Typically, people dismiss these pains as ordinary. However, not all pain is common. Some types of pain can be indicators of serious illnesses like cancer. Let’s explore some of these pain signals.
Lifestyle Desk, New Delhi
Pain has become a part of our lifestyle. Due to changing lifestyles and increasing work pressure, people often suffer from some form of pain, whether it’s a headache or back pain. In such situations, Pain Awareness Month, observed every September, aims to raise awareness about these pains and their management. This awareness campaign was initiated by the American Chronic Pain Association in 2001.
While body pain is common and usually not a cause for concern, some pains can be detrimental if ignored. Pain in the body can not only be a sign of fatigue but also an indicator of serious illnesses. In this article, we will discuss some warning signs of cancer-related pain. Dr. Amod Manocha from the International Pain Center, New Delhi, elaborates on this.
Identifying Pain is Crucial
Doctors say that body pain is often overlooked or misdiagnosed as minor issues, but it can sometimes be an early sign of cancer. Recognizing these symptoms can aid in early detection of the disease. It is crucial to identify the type and pattern of pain.
How Pain May Indicate Cancer
According to doctors, persistent pain in a part of the body that does not go away or worsens over time can be a warning sign. If pain persists without any apparent cause, it may be related to some issue. Since diseases like leukemia, breast cancer, and prostate cancer can spread to the bones, causing pain, cancer-related pain is often felt in the bones.
Cancer Warning Signs
Other warning signs include sudden weight loss, pain accompanied by fatigue or loss of appetite. If there is swelling or lumps in specific areas such as the abdomen, chest, or joints along with physical pain, it is essential to seek medical help immediately. Additionally, tumors affecting the neurological system can cause nerve pain, including tingling or numbness.
Do Not Ignore These Pains
Lastly, tumors in the brain, spine, or pelvic area can cause persistent headaches, back pain, or pelvic discomfort that do not go away even after treatment. These conditions require immediate medical attention. If any of these symptoms persist, it is essential to seek further medical help. Early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes.