Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services now if pain comes with:
New leg or arm weakness, spreading numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control
Severe trouble breathing, fainting, or crushing chest pain
A seizure, sudden confusion, or a sudden severe headache
A limb that looks deformed after a fall or minor injury
This needs emergency assessment.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your cancer care team the same day for fever or chills during treatment, repeated vomiting, a swollen painful leg, new severe abdominal pain, or pain that suddenly becomes intense.
Follow any fever instructions your team has given you.
Do not wait for it to become unbearable.
And for anyone, someone who:
has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine follow-up if pain is new, worsening, regularly interrupts sleep, limits activities, or is not controlled by your current plan.
And for anyone, someone who:
has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss
The article also says
New back or neck pain with weakness, numbness around the buttocks or genitals, difficulty walking, or bladder or bowel changes may mean pressure on the spinal cord.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Cancer pain. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.