There’s a cancer symptom that often goes unnoticed and may manifest while you’re sleeping, according to medical professionals.
The American Cancer Society projected that in the previous year, there would be 2,001,140 new cancer cases and 611,720 cancer-related deaths in the United States, noting cancer as the second-leading cause of death nationwide.
A cancer diagnosis can be severe and life-altering, emphasizing the importance of staying aware of early warning signs.
With over 200 different symptoms associated with cancer, identifying a serious one can be challenging, as many people dismiss them as minor, more benign ailments.
Recently, Cancer Research is drawing attention to a frequently ignored symptom that may be evident upon waking up from sleep.
The organization points out that cancer can often lead to sweating, either excessively or slightly more than usual, as the body tries to regulate rising temperatures. This can be due to the cancer itself, an infection, or treatments being used.
Although sweating at night can be typical during summer, medical experts warn that unexpected night sweats during sleep can be a significant and often missed warning sign.
They recommend checking your bed sheets each morning for signs of excessive sweating, though you might notice it if you wake up with wet hair or damp clothing.
To differentiate between normal overheating at night and night sweats, the Mayo Clinic describes night sweats as ‘repeated episodes of very heavy sweating during sleep, heavy enough to soak your nightclothes or bedding.’
While night sweats are common for women experiencing menopause and can occur after taking specific medications, they can also be a sign of illnesses like an infection, diabetes, or cancer, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic.
The American Cancer Society states that cancer patients, regardless of gender, frequently experience hot flashes or sweating, including at night. It’s also a common side effect of hormone therapy for specific cancers like breast, prostate, and endometrial cancer.
Although this symptom doesn’t necessarily mean cancer, if it seems unusual, it may be wise to consult a healthcare professional.
Abbas Kanani, a pharmacist at Chemist Click, informed the Daily Record: “Get this checked out with your GP, especially if night sweats are accompanied by fatigue, weight loss, or bruising.”
Some cancers that might lead to excessive sweating include non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, cancerous tumors, leukemia, bone cancer, prostate cancer, and kidney cancer.
The pharmacist also mentioned other signs to be aware of in daily life and morning routines, such as a persistent cough and feeling unusually fatigued upon waking.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues and wish to speak with someone confidentially, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or through their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.