Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with almost 10 million deaths in 2020 alone. In the United States, it ranks just behind heart disease as the second leading cause of death. Despite the fear surrounding the disease, a cancer diagnosis today is not necessarily a death sentence. Early detection and proper treatment can lead to a high chance of cure for many types of cancer. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs of cancer and consult a medical professional if they arise.
A cancer symptom that appears at night
It’s important to note that many cancer symptoms overlap with other medical conditions. However, one lesser-known cancer symptom is night sweats. Night sweats can occur as an early sign of different cancers, including liver, bone, leukemia, lymphoma, mesothelioma, and carcinoid tumors. If night sweats persist along with other potential cancer symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor for evaluation.
Other reasons for night sweats
There are many other medical reasons for night sweats, including hormonal changes, medications, stress, and environmental or lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, lack of air-conditioning, hot beverages before bed, and exercising before bed.
More cancer symptoms to look out for
If you experience night sweats regularly, particularly with other potential cancer symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss, pain, bleeding, or changes in the skin, it’s important to speak with a doctor.
When to see your doctor
If you notice any drastic changes in how your body works or feels, especially if they persist or worsen over time, it’s essential to talk to your doctor about it. Seek early treatment as many health conditions benefit from quick intervention and could worsen without proper treatment.
Sources
- “Cancer.” WHO. February 3, 2022
- “Leading Causes of Death” CDC. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
- “Are Night Sweats a Sign of Cancer?” Healthline. Annette McDermott. September 29, 2018
- “How to Spot the Early Warning Signs of Cancer.” WebMD. Stephanie Watson. May 7, 2022
- “Signs and Symptoms of Cancer.” American Cancer Society. November 6, 2020
- “Signs and symptoms of cancer.” Cancer Research UK. November 17, 2022
