Inescapable Malediction

I don't think I ever grew out of the childhood phase of self-diagnosing cancer. I remember running in the field by our school in second grade and, when my leg started hurting, I was sure I had cancer. Nowadays, I am embarrassed to admit, cancer is still usually the first thing that pops into my mind if I ever don't feel good. I don't think I'm a full-fledged hypochondriac, but I hope I'm not creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.