Check sheets and pillows in the morning for cancer symptom, expert warns

As with any illness or condition, the sooner you spot the symptoms of cancer the sooner you can seek the appropriate treatment.

However, some symptoms can be easily mistaken for signs of other, less serious, health issues meaning they can prevent an accurate diagnosis.

Sweating – particularly at night – is one such symptom that could be overlooked, especially in the summer.

One expert urged people to check your sheets and pillows to see if you are experiencing “excessive” sweating as this could signal cancer.

Abbas Kanani, pharmacist at Chemist Click Online Pharmacy, told Express.co.uk: “Sweating, especially at night, is a common sign of cancer, however, some cancers cause more excessive sweating than others.”

He explained: “Infection is one of the most common causes of sweating in people with cancer.

“Cancer triggers an immune response in the body, which can lead to the release of inflammatory substances that affect the body’s temperature regulation system, resulting in sweating.

“High temperature can occur with an infection and your body sweats to try and reduce it.

“Changes in hormone levels can also cause hot flushes and sweats. Your hormone levels may change because of the cancer itself or because of treatment.”

How to know if you are sweating excessively

Mr Kanani said it can be difficult to determine whether sweating alone is attributed to cancer or another health condition.

He explained: “While cancer can be associated with excessive sweating, it is important to note that it is not the most common or specific cause.

“Night sweats, in particular, can be linked to certain types of cancers, such as lymphoma, but they can also be caused by other conditions or factors.

“If you have night sweats, your sheets and pillows typically become so saturated that you can no longer sleep on them.”

“The pain may initially be intermittent but can progress to become constant and severe, often worse at night or with activity.

“Swelling, redness and inflammation over a bone, which can make movement difficult if the affected bone is near a joint. A weak bone that fractures more easily than normal.”

If you experience excessive sweating, especially at night, you should speak to your GP.

Mr Kanani added: “Communicate with your GP about any changes in symptoms, concerns or challenges you may be facing.

“If bone cancer is suspected, your doctor may refer you to an oncologist or orthopaedic oncologist, who specialises in diagnosing and treating bone cancers.

“These specialists will provide expert guidance and determine the most appropriate course of action.”