Cancer symptoms can appear at any time, but you may not know that some are more likely than others to show up first thing in the morning. Knowing these signs could help people get checked out for cancer and get earlier life-saving treatment.
According to a pharmacist, if you notice any changes that are out of the ordinary in the morning you should see a GP straight away. Abbas Kanani, a pharmacist at Chemist Click, explained that a persistent cough, fatigue and night sweats could all be warning signs for cancer.
He said that smokers will often often wake up with a cough in the morning, but if it persists for more than two weeks you should see a GP regardless of whether you smoke or not, Daily Record reports.
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Another concerning symptom that you may experience in the morning is fatigue - which could be particularly worrying if it is accompanied by other symptoms.
"It’s normal to feel a little tired in the morning, but if this is not usual for you, or you are noticing fatigue lasting throughout the day, you should get this checked out," Mr Kanani told the Express.
A third symptom that the pharmacist outlined was night sweats. If your bed is wet or damp from sweat you may have been experiencing this symptom.
He added: "Get this checked out with your GP, especially if night sweats are accompanied by fatigue, weight loss or bruising."
Other symptoms of cancer
According to the NHS, other symptoms which can appear at any time of the day include:
- Chest pain and breathlessness
- Changes in bowel habits
- Unusual bleeding
- Lumps
- Mole changes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tummy or back pain
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Itchy or yellow skin
Cutting down on smoking and drinking can reduce cancer risks
Cancer risks can be significantly reduced by cutting down lifestyle habits such as cutting down on smoking and drinking.
Cancer Research UK has said that cutting out smoking is the "biggest preventable cause of cancer in the UK, and worldwide."
On their website, the charity explains: "The link between smoking and cancer is very clear. It causes at least 15 different types of cancer, including two of the most common, lung and bowel cancer."
It adds that there is no safe level of smoking. Cutting down on alcohol could also help people reduce their cancer risks, according to the charity.
They say: "Alcohol causes 7 types of cancer, including breast, mouth and bowel cancer. Whatever your drinking habits, cutting down will reduce your risk."
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