A doctor has warned of a serious cancer symptom that can often be ‘dismissed’ during the summertime.
That’s if you can actually call this summer right now in the UK.
I mean, summer doesn’t actually start for another few weeks, but every day seems to feel like a different season at the moment with this weather.
But while it is supposedly on the horizon, it’s important we all keep checking in with our bodies and health (and wear our SPF).
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One things for sure, the temperature will increase again at some point and with that, things can get pretty hot and sweaty. And as gross as it is, sweat’s an important thing for regulation. So, it’s another thing you should be keeping on top of for your general health and wellbeing - as well as when spotting the potential signs of cancer.
Look, sweating in the summer is relatively normal, but there are times it can cause problems.
And a doctor has warned that sweating through the night can sometimes signal cancer.
Personal physician and private home visiting GP, Dr Suhail Hussain has warned Brits to keep an eye on night sweats, especially if it’s common.
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“The occurrence of such symptoms should not merely be dismissed as, ‘Oh well it’s just hot outside,” he explained to the Daily Express.
“Night sweats can be a sign of something more serious, for example, serious infections, the menopause and even cancer."
The doc says the most common cause of cancerous night sweats are leukaemia and lymphoma - which are cancers related to the blood and lymph mode systems.
Are my night sweats normal or a sign of cancer?
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Dr Hussain explains: “Sweats associated with cancer are normally drenching – literally. You can wake up with your pyjamas and bed sheets wringing wet with sweat.”
Plus, he added some other key signs that if experienced, should be raised with a doctor:
- Persistent and sweats that aren't remitting - regular night sweats will usually be intermittent.
- Fatigue or a lack of energy in day-to-day life.
- Unexplained bruises on your body
- Inexplicable pain
- Lymph node enlargement
- Sweating in the day that isn't related to being too hot at night.
It’s very important to note at this point that night sweats can be a sign of other problems, or just even a bit of a one-off.
Dr Hussain says though, that there are rare forms of cancer that can cause sweating, with this group known as 'carcinoids'. By affecting hormonal function through the neuroendocrine system, it can result in excess sweating.
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He added: “Other concomitant symptoms could include flushing of the skin, alterations in pulse and blood pressure and muscle and joint aches.
"The bottom line is that if you feel like sweaty Betty or perspiring Pete and it's going on a bit too long, then head over to your GP and get checked out."
Jess Battison