3 pain areas on your body that might be early cancer warning signs

A number of people experience back pain every day. This pain may be a result of muscle strain, lifestyle factors, poor posture, certain underlying medical conditions, or simply, aging.

Cancer is rarely the cause for back pain, but it’s possible for lower back pain to be associated with cancers like spinal, colorectal, or ovarian cancer.

Healthline notes that “back pain that could be a sign of cancer usually occurs along with other cancer symptoms.”

Some of those symptoms include back pain unrelated to movement or not worsened by activity, pain that appears at night or early morning and eases during the day, persistent pain despite treatment, changes in bowel or urinary habits – including blood, sudden and unexplained weight loss, unexplained fatigue, weakness, numbness, or tingling in arms or legs.

Early-stage cancers like lung, pancreas, or kidney cancer can cause back pain by pressing on nearby nerves, muscles, or bones. Pancreatic cancer, in particular, often begins with gradually worsening back pain that may spread to the lower abdomen.

If your back pain is persistent, seek medical help.

2. Persistent Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is a common symptom that can be caused by many conditions, including cancer. In cancer, this pain may result from the tumor itself, its spread to other organs, or side effects of treatment.

Cancers that can cause abdominal pain include pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Early-stage stomach cancer may cause upper abdomen discomfort, which is usually rated as mild to moderate and described as bloating or a dull pain. Pain can increase in frequency from dull to sharp as cancer develops.

Some women with ovarian cancer may experience pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in appetite.

So if you’re experiencing consistent, repetitive or severe abdominal pain — especially if it’s accompanied by weight loss, nausea or difficulty eating — it’s wise to have a healthcare provider assess the situation.

3. Headaches and Neurological Symptoms

Although most headaches are caused by dehydration, illness, or sinus problems and aren’t usually concerning, they can also indicate a brain tumor, so it’s important to know what other warning signs to look for.

Because the skull is made of bones, anything that grows inside it — such as a tumor — can raise pressure on the brain. This increase in intracranial pressure frequently presents as headaches.