Experts reveal one often overlooked symptom of cancer happens while you're sleeping

There is one overlooked symptom of cancer that doctors say appears while you're sleeping.

According to the American Cancer Society, it was estimated last year that 2,001,140 new cancer cases and 611,720 cancer deaths are on the cards in the US, with cancer being the second-leading cause of death across the country.

A cancer diagnosis can be life-threatening and therefore devastating, which is why it's so important to remain vigilant about any early warning signs.

Yet with more than 200 different symptoms to watch out for, it is notoriously difficult to spot anything particularly concerning and often, people just brush them off as common and more harmless illnesses.

Now, Cancer Research is raising the alarm over one commonly overlooked symptom which you might spot when you wake up from a deep slumber.

It's best to check your sheets in the morning (Getty)

Sweating can be a frequent trigger for cancer patients

The charity says cancer can often trigger sweating, either excessively or slightly more than normal, in patients since the body is attempting to lower rising temperatures. This can be a result of the cancer itself, an infection, or the treatment being used.

While this might be normal in the summer months when getting some shut eye, medics say sudden sweating at night during sleep is often a major warning sign that is frequently overlooked.

As a result, they advise to examine your bed sheets post-slumber and every morning for any signs of extreme perspiration, though you might already have an inclination if you wake up with wet hair or damp clothing.

In case you can't tell the difference between regular overheating at night and night sweats, Mayo Clinic defines the condition as 'repeated episodes of very heavy sweating during sleep, heavy enough to soak your nightclothes or bedding'.

While they're common during the menopause for women, and can occur after taking certain medications, they can also materialise as a result of illnesses like an infection, diabetes or cancer, the Cleveland Clinic adds.

It's one of dozens of common signs to look out for (Getty)

Sweating can affect anyone, regardless of gender

According to the American Cancer Society, people of all genders with cancer commonly go through hot flushes or sweating, including at night. It is also most commonly a side effect of hormone therapy for breast, prostate and endometrial cancers.

While the sign doesn't automatically indicate cancer, if it's out of the ordinary, it could be time to seek a professional opinion.

Abbas Kanani, a pharmacist at Chemist Click recently told the Daily Record: "Get this checked out with your GP, especially if night sweats are accompanied by fatigue, weight loss or bruising."

Among the cancers that can cause excessive sweating include non-Hodgkin lymphoma, hodgkin lymphoma, cancerous tumours, leukaemia, bone cancer, prostate cancer and kidney cancer.

The pharmacist also revealed some other signs to watch out for in our everyday lives and morning routine, including a persistent and/or lingering cough, waking up feeling fatigued and extremely exhausted.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.

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