Often missed cancer symptom that appears on your pillows in the morning

Cancer can be a daunting diagnosis, with over 200 types and various symptoms to look out for. Early detection is crucial in the fight against cancer, but recognising the signs can be challenging.

According to Cancer Research, infection is a common cause of sweating in people with cancer, as the body tries to reduce high temperatures. Certain types of cancer can also cause increased sweating, and those with advanced stages of any cancer type may sweat more than usual.

Symptoms can range from general ones like weight loss and fatigue to more specific ones affecting certain body parts, such as skin changes. Other common indicators include lumps, unexplained bleeding or persistent bloating.

However, one lesser-known symptom that can be easily overlooked, especially during summer, is night sweats. Experts suggest checking your bedding each morning for signs of excessive sweating during sleep.

The NHS says: "It's normal to sweat during the night if the room or your bedding is making you too hot. 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 can present itself through a range of symptoms, so it's crucial to be aware of what is normal for you and inform your doctor if you're concerned about any changes in your health. While sweating doesn't necessarily indicate cancer, if it's unusual for you, it's important to discuss it with your doctor.

Some cancer types can also cause you to sweat more than usual, these include:

• non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Hodgkin lymphoma
• carcinoid tumours
• leukaemia
• mesothelioma
• bone cancer
• prostate cancer
• kidney cancer
• germ cell tumours
• advanced medullary thyroid cancer

See a GP if:

• you have night sweats regularly that wake you up or worry you
• you also have a very high temperature (or feel hot and shivery), a cough or diarrhoea
• you have night sweats and you're losing weight for no reason