05 May 2023 , 09:00
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Around 35,300 British people die from lung cancer every year - equivalent to one person every 15 minutes - making it the UK’s biggest cancer killer.
The devastating disease strikes when cells in the lungs divide uncontrollably, causing tumours to grow which can then spread to other parts of the body. Despite being labelled the ‘smoker’s disease’, around one in eight people with the condition have never smoked, warned the UK Lung Cancer Coalition (UKLCC).
Common symptoms often include a persistent cough and breathlessness, but one expert has highlighted a little-known warning sign that is usually overlooked. NHS GP Dr Anita Raja explained that patients struck by lung cancer may wake up from their sleep covered in sweat, which is also known as sleep hyperhidrosis.
Perspiration is triggered by the body fighting off the tumour, which can cause it to heat up in the process.
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A persistent cough is a common symptom of lung cancer (Getty Images)Sweats can also be caused by fever, which is more common in the later stages of the disease, but could strike at any time. Fevers are usually the result of an infection, which is more common with lung cancer.
They can also be linked to low levels of disease-fighting white blood cells, which can happen after radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Night sweats can also be the result of hormonal changes, which can be triggered by the tumour or treatments.
Dr Raja said: “The patient may feel that they are waking up drenched in sweat, along with a fever. If this is accompanied with a dry cough of more than three weeks or blood in your sputum (phlegm) this may indicate lung cancer.”
If you have a chronic illness that targets the lungs, it can make you cough up sputum, which is a thick type of mucus made in your lungs. The doctor added that you should “seek urgent medical attention” if you suffer from any of these symptoms.
Cancer Research UK said: "Sweating can be a symptom of cancer, or may be due to cancer treatment. It can be very distressing. It can also be embarrassing if you are in a social situation. There are things you can do to help. And your doctor may be able to prescribe medicines to control it."
A patient with lung cancer may wake up drenched in sweat (Getty Images/iStockphoto)It is recommended that patients suffering from night sweats hydrate regularly, keep their room at a comfortable temperature, take off layers and use a damp towel. Apart from night sweats, the NHS has highlighted 14 other warning signs to watch out for.
Lung cancer warning signs
A cough that does not go away after 3 weeks
A long-standing cough that gets worse
Chest infections that keep coming back
Coughing up blood
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An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
Persistent breathlessness
Persistent tiredness or lack of energy
Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
Changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as becoming more curved or their ends becoming larger (this is known as finger clubbing)
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or pain when swallowing
Wheezing
A hoarse voice
Swelling of your face or neck
Persistent chest or shoulder pain
However, there are usually no signs or symptoms of lung cancer in the initial stages, making the condition difficult to spot early.