In the past five years of cancer treatment procedures and medical examinations, I wouldn't say that pain was a major factor in the process. As it is, no one goes to the doctor and says, "My cancer hurts!" - which is unfortunate. That would be a much more helpful part of detecting and further testing for the possibility of cancer in one's system.
My breakthrough moment of realization came as a result of persistent back pain that prompted me to visit my General Practitioner for an overall check up. Little did I know, that even before the blood work that he ordered was evaluated, I suspect he knew something was awry (he pulled down my lower eyelid and saw a conspicuous absence of "pink" - not good blood circulation; I didn't put 2+2 together, but in retrospect, it was a sign to the GP). The back pain was: my kidneys in renal failure, due to their being overworked trying to flush out the cancer cell explosion building up in my body, which was preventing the normal creation of critical red blood cells. But I digress.
As a result of a recent surgical procedure on my back (second one in two years in the same place: L4-L5), I have been introduced to the world of uncomfortable. I'm not sure if it is denial or the fact that pain is such a strong (oft overused) word, but I prefer the term "discomfort" - if for no other reason than to hold off on saying pain until I have real, real pain (like: having-a-baby pain). Even now, the transient post-op twinges that I am experiencing wouldn't qualify as pain. Rather, they are the soreness that could be expected from an operation that involved a 2"+ incision, cutting through a lot of muscle, shaving off some bone to make room for the doctor along the way, and the eventual elimination of a cyst that was wrapped completely around my vertebrae nerve. Combined with reminders of the nerve re-establishing itself after the abuse of that growing incursion. Sorry to be so graphic.
I'm getting better every day (post-op). And I would still ascribe to the use of the word discomfort to categorize my current situation. A recent coincidental dose of a corticosteroid (pre-meds for my monthly chemo), have actually brought much relief (reduced inflammation). Only time will tell if that is temporary or real progress. For now: it hurts, but not that bad . . .
