Experts issue warning for cancer symptom that can appear on pillows in the morning
The overlooked cancer symptom can be mistaken for less serious illnesses
Callum Jones
Experts have issued a warning regarding one cancer symptom that is often overlooked and is easy to spot if you take a look at your pillows of a morning.
Over two million new cancer cases are expected to have been recorded in the US this year, according to the American Cancer Society. Meanwhile, the disease is the second-leading cause of death across the country.
With cancer, it's all about noticing the early signs for the best possible outcome and a full recovery.
Yet with more than 200 different types of cancer to watch out for, it is notoriously difficult to spot anything particularly concerning and often, people just brush them off as more harmless illnesses.
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These so-called more common symptoms can be a cause for concern however, with night sweats that leave visible marks on your pillow potentially sometimes a worry.
It is of course perfectly normal to sweat to some extent during the night, but if that is going on for a prolonged period of time, it's something you should be getting checked out by a healthcare professional.
The UK's National Health Service advises: "Most people sweat during the night. If you regularly wake up with soaking wet sheets you should get it checked by a GP.
"Night sweats are when you sweat so much that your night clothes and bedding are soaking wet, even though where you're sleeping is cool."
Cancer Research UK 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 may be common during the summer months, medics say sudden sweating at night during sleep is often a major warning sign that is frequently overlooked.
Experts are advising you to examine your bed sheets 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'.
Night sweats can be a sign of a number of cancers, which include kidney, bone and prostate cancer, as well as leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
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.