Doctor warns of cancer symptom that could be 'dismissed' by Brits during summer
There is one cancer symptom that UK residents should keep their eye out for this summer, according to a doctor.
It's something that all of us will go through in the coming months, and it's worth keeping tabs on, as though many may think it's normal, it could indicate something serious for your health and well-being.
As the summer months have arrived (apparently), the temperature is set to rise and be higher than it has been recently (again, apparently), as the UK enters a period some warmer and more pleasant weather.
Though some of us may be sat staring out of the window and witnessing a downpour in the middle of June, there is the comfort of knowing that we're not even two weeks into summer.
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It couldn't get any worse, could it? I guess time will tell.
When the temperature gets up there, our body responds by producing sweat, which cools our body temperature down, keeping it regulated and stopping us from getting heat stroke or shutting down altogether.
During the day, the heat may leave our soaks more soaked than normal, but it turns out that it may not be as normal of an occurrence at night.
You may find yourself dismissing the severity of sweating in your sleep in this weather, because it is summer after all.
However, a doctor has warned that night sweats could easily signal serious health issues, with one of these being cancer.
Dr Suhail Hussain is a personal physician and private home visiting GP, and has urged Brits to look out for sweating at night - especially if it is common.
“Sweating at night is a common phenomenon and one that is far more likely to happen on hot sticky nights such as we’re experiencing now," he explained as per The Daily Express.
"However, the occurrence of such symptoms should not merely be dismissed as, ‘Oh well it’s just hot outside’.
He revealed: "Night sweats can be a sign of something more serious, for example, serious infections, the menopause and even cancer."
There is a difference between regular night sweats and potentially cancerous ones though - and it's important to note the contrast from one to the other.
Dr Hussain said: “Sweats associated with cancer are normally drenching – literally. You can wake up with your pyjamas and bed sheets wringing wet with sweat.”
As well as this, the medical expert highlighted other glaring signs that, if seen, should be brought up 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.
The most common cause of cancerous night sweats are leukaemia and lymphoma - which are cancers related to the blood and lymph mode systems.
This is why you may see enlarged glands and find yourself easy to bruise.
He further explains that rare forms of cancer can also cause sweating, with this group known as 'carcinoids'.
By affecting hormonal function through the neuroendocrine system, it can result in excess sweating.
Dr Hussain said: “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."
Joshua Nair