While cancer is a serious and common disease, it can be easy to jump to conclusions and worry about it as soon as any symptoms occur.

However, there are plenty of symptoms and health issues that aren’t typically linked to cancer, despite being alarming.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to get a proper medical diagnosis to determine the cause. Here are eight such symptoms that are not necessarily linked to cancer:.

1. Persistent Fatigue

Feeling regularly tired and fatigued can be concerning, but it’s not always a sign of cancer. Fatigue can be caused by dozens of health issues, including chronic fatigue syndrome, hypothyroidism, and more.

If you’re experiencing persistent fatigue without any obvious explanation, it’s important to see your doctor to determine the underlying cause.

Depending on your overall health and medical history, they may do blood tests or other diagnostic imaging to determine the cause of your fatigue.

2. Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss

Sudden or unexplained changes in weight can sometimes be a sign of cancer, but there are generally other more obvious symptoms that occur as well.

In most cases, unexplained weight gain or loss is caused by other factors such as medication changes, stress, or an underlying medical condition such as thyroid issues.

It’s important to review any recent changes in your diet or lifestyle with your doctor to determine if there are any underlying factors behind your weight changes. In some cases, they may refer you to a specialist to investigate further.

3. Chronic Pain

Persistent pain in any area of the body can be alarming, but it’s not necessarily a sign of cancer. Pain can be caused by a wide range of issues, from injury or overuse to chronic conditions such as arthritis.

If you’re experiencing chronic pain, your doctor may recommend further testing or referral to a specialist. Treatments for chronic pain often involve medication or physical therapy to manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

4. Digestive Issues

Issues with digestion, such as constipation, diarrhea, or bloating, can be concerning, but they’re often not caused by cancer.

Digestive issues can be caused by diet, stress, or underlying medical conditions such as celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome.

If you’re experiencing digestive issues, it’s important to discuss them with your doctor to determine the underlying cause. They may recommend dietary changes, medication, or other interventions to improve your digestion and overall health.

5. Changes in Skin Appearance

Changes in the appearance of your skin, such as rashes, acne, or discoloration, can be concerning, but again, they’re typically not caused by cancer.

Most skin changes are caused by factors such as sun exposure, allergies, or underlying skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

If you’re experiencing changes in your skin appearance, it’s important to discuss them with your doctor to determine the underlying cause.

Your doctor may recommend topical treatments, medication, or lifestyle changes to improve your skin health.

6. Mood Changes

Changes in your mood, such as depression or anxiety, can be concerning, but they’re not typically caused by cancer. Mood changes are typically caused by factors such as stress, lifestyle changes, or underlying mental health conditions.

If you’re experiencing mood changes, it’s important to discuss them with your doctor to determine the underlying cause. They may recommend therapy, medication, or other interventions to improve your overall mental health.

7. Breathing Difficulty

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath can be frightening, but they’re not always a sign of cancer. Breathing difficulties can be caused by factors such as allergies, asthma, or underlying cardiovascular conditions.

If you’re experiencing difficulty breathing, it’s important to seek medical attention right away to determine the underlying cause.

Your doctor may recommend further testing or referral to a specialist to improve your breathing and overall health.

8. Sleep Disturbances

Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or excessive sleepiness can be concerning, but they’re not typically linked to cancer. Sleep disturbances can be caused by factors such as stress, medication changes, or underlying sleep disorders.

If you’re experiencing sleep disturbances, it’s important to discuss them with your doctor to determine the underlying cause. They may recommend changes to your sleep hygiene, medication, or further testing to improve your sleep health.