26 July 2023 , 11:32
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With more than 200 types of cancer, it can be daunting when it comes to knowing what symptoms to look out for. What is clear is that when it comes to cancer, the earlier we detect the warning signs the better.
Spotting cancer at an early stage can save lives, but it can be hard to know what to look for. Signs can be more general - like weight loss and fatigue, or it could affect specific parts of the the body, like your skin. Other common warning signs include lumps, unexplained bleeding or long-term bloating.
However, one lesser-known symptom of cancer is one that is less obvious than this - and it can be spotted on your sheets and pillows every morning - night sweats.
Sweating at night can be a warning sign of cancer that is often often overlooked, particularly in summer.
Experts recommend checking your bedding in the morning to see if you've been experiencing excessive sweating during your sleep. If you are, your sheets and pillows will likely become so saturated it will be noticeable in the morning.
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It's important to be aware of the signs (stock image) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)According to Cancer Research, infection is one of the most common causes of sweating in people with cancer. Infection can cause a high temperature, and your body will sweat to try to reduce it.
Some cancer types can also cause you to sweat more than usual, these include:
- non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- carcinoid tumours
- leukaemia
- mesothelioma
- bone cancer
- prostate cancer
- kidney cancer
- germ cell tumours
- advanced medullary thyroid cancer
People who have advanced cancer of any type may also sweat more than usual.
Cancer can manifest itself in a wide variety of symptoms, and it's important to note what is normal for you, and notify your doctor if your worried about any changes to your health. Sweating doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer, but if it's not normal for you, it's important to speak to your doctor about it.