Cancer can present itself through a range of symptoms, so it’s crucial to be aware of what is normal for you and inform your doctor if you’re concerned
Cancer can be a frightening diagnosis, with more than 200 different types and countless symptoms to watch for. Spotting the disease early is vital in battling cancer, but identifying the warning signs can prove difficult.
According to Cancer Research, infection is a frequent trigger for sweating in cancer patients, as the body attempts to lower elevated temperatures. Specific cancer types can also lead to excessive sweating, whilst those battling advanced stages of any form may sweat more heavily than normal.
Warning signs can vary from broad indicators like dropping weight and exhaustion to more targeted ones impacting particular areas of the body, including changes to the skin. Additional frequent red flags include growths, unexplained bleeding or ongoing bloating.
Yet one overlooked warning sign that’s easily missed, particularly in warmer months, is nocturnal sweating. Medical professionals recommend examining your sheets each morning for evidence of extreme perspiration whilst sleeping, reports Coventry Live.
The NHS states: “It’s normal to sweat during the night if the room or your bedding is making you too hot. 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 can manifest through numerous symptoms, making it essential to recognise what’s typical for your body and alert your GP if you’re worried about any alterations to your wellbeing. Whilst perspiration doesn’t automatically signal cancer, if it’s abnormal for you, it’s vital to raise it with your medical practitioner.
Certain types of cancer can also lead to excessive sweating, these include:
- non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- carcinoid tumours
- leukaemia
- mesothelioma
- bone cancer
- prostate cancer
- kidney cancer
- germ cell tumours
- advanced medullary thyroid cancer
You should consult a GP if:
- you have night sweats regularly that wake you up or worry you
- you also have a very high temperature (or feel hot and shivery), a cough or diarrhoea
- you have night sweats and you’re losing weight for no reason