Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, according to WebMD, with heart disease being the only condition that causes more deaths.
In 2021, nearly 10 million people lost their lives to cancer.
The American Cancer Society estimates that by 2025, around 2 million people will be diagnosed with the disease.
Behind these statistics are individuals whose lives are changed forever, along with the lives of their families and friends who are affected as well.
Raising awareness and focusing on early prevention are key factors in the fight against this deadly disease.
A Major Cancer Warning Sign That Can Only Be Detected at Night
Certain cancer symptoms may become more noticeable or only appear during the night. If you experience any of the following signs consistently, it could be an early warning of an underlying condition that requires medical attention.
1. Night Sweats
Excessive sweating at night, to the point where your clothes and bedsheets are drenched, even in a cool room, can be an early symptom of certain cancers. This is particularly common in lymphoma, liver cancer, and bone cancer. Cancer-related night sweats are often accompanied by unexplained weight loss and fever.
2. Bone Pain at Night
Persistent and unexplained bone pain that worsens at night or when resting could be a warning sign of bone cancer or metastasis (cancer spreading to the bones). Unlike muscle soreness, cancer-related bone pain does not improve with movement or stretching.
3. Frequent Nighttime Urination
Waking up multiple times during the night to urinate could be a symptom of bladder cancer, prostate cancer, or kidney cancer. If this is accompanied by blood in the urine, lower abdominal pain, or difficulty urinating, it’s crucial to consult a doctor.
4. Shortness of Breath When Lying Down
Difficulty breathing or a sensation of breathlessness when lying flat may indicate lung cancer, throat cancer, or thyroid cancer. If you often find yourself propping up your pillows to breathe more comfortably at night, it could be a sign of a serious condition.
5. Night Fevers
Unexplained low-grade fevers in the evening or nighttime, especially when combined with fatigue and unexplained weight loss, can be an early symptom of leukemia or other blood cancers. These fevers tend to come and go without an obvious cause, such as an infection.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience any of these symptoms regularly, particularly if they are persistent or worsening over time, it’s important to seek medical advice. Early detection of cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.
Would you like more details on any specific type of cancer-related symptoms?