There are more than 200 types of cancer, according to Cancer Research UK and because of that, it can be difficult to pin down consistent symptoms that could be signs of cancer. All cancers are different and all symptoms vary.
However, there is one symptom that is consistent within several cancers and it can be very easily spotted first thing in the morning: night sweats.
Physicians say night sweats aren’t just sweating throughout the night; rather, they involve sweating so much that your hair, body, and sheets are soaked upon waking, according to the NHS.
Of course, it’s important to remember that night sweats can indicate many illnesses and can also be a very unfortunate side effect to medications. However, night sweats are a symptom of several cancers, especially combined with fever and unexplained weight loss.
These cancers are:
- Lymphoma (non-Hodgkins and Hodgkins)
- Leukaemia
- Carcinoid tumours
- Adrenal system tumours
- Liver cancer
If you are experiencing night sweats, it’s important to speak with your doctor, even if you have no other concerning symptoms. Your doctor can rule out any potential diseases as well as providing medication to help you manage the night sweats.
