Experts Warn Of Cancer Symptom That May Show Up On Pillows Overnight

Health experts have issued a warning about a cancer symptom that many people tend to overlook, even though it can sometimes be spotted simply by checking your pillows in the morning.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than two million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed across the US this year. Cancer also remains the second-leading cause of death nationwide, highlighting how widespread the disease continues to be.

When it comes to cancer, spotting early signs can make a real difference. Early detection often gives patients the best chance of successful treatment and recovery.

With more than 200 different types of cancer, it can be very difficult to know which symptoms are serious and which ones are not. As a result, many warning signs are dismissed as minor or linked to common illnesses.

Some of these everyday symptoms can still be cause for concern, including night sweats that leave visible damp patches on your pillow or bedding.

Sweating during sleep is normal to a degree, especially in warm conditions. However, if heavy sweating continues over a long period of time, doctors say it should be checked by a healthcare professional.

It can be easy to brush off the symptoms Getty Stock Photo

The UK’s National Health Service advises: "Most people sweat during the night. If you regularly wake up with soaking wet sheets you should get it checked by a GP."

"Night sweats are when you sweat so much that your night clothes and bedding are soaking wet, even though where you're sleeping is cool."

Cancer Research UK explains that cancer can cause sweating in different ways, including excessive sweating or sweating slightly more than usual, as the body tries to regulate rising temperatures.

This type of sweating may be caused by the cancer itself, an infection linked to the illness, or even the treatments being used.

Doctors note that while sweating at night can be common during hotter months, sudden or intense night sweats during sleep are often a warning sign that people tend to ignore.

Experts suggest paying attention to your bed sheets and pillows each morning for signs of heavy perspiration. In many cases, people also notice clues such as waking up with damp clothes or wet hair.

Night sweats can be a cause for concern Getty Stock Photo

For those unsure how to tell the difference between overheating and night sweats, the Mayo Clinic defines the condition as repeated episodes of very heavy sweating during sleep that soak nightclothes or bedding.

Night sweats have been linked to several types of cancer, including kidney, bone, and prostate cancer, as well as leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.