Cancer is a chronic illness that is treatable if detected early. However, there are no specific signs or symptoms that could indicate cancer. In many cases, cancers are detected when they're already in an advanced stage, making it difficult for the doctors and medical professionals to treat. Body pain can indicate cancer. However, they're not an early symptom, but signal that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body including the nerves and the organs. In such circumstances, your doctor may prescribe certain medications to alleviate the pain and would investigate the location of the pain.