12 June 2023 , 00:50
916
0
Although cancer can affect everyone differently in its early stages, knowing what to look out for is the first step in identifying the condition.
Whilst many first detect the awful disease by means of a lump or bleeding, some early symptoms aren't always so obvious.
Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, says pain is one of the most common cancer symptoms that can appear at night time.
In fact, Cancer Research UK notes that around 38 per cent of all cancer patients will experience moderate to severe pain when trying to sleep.
Whilst "it’s important to state" that pain can be the result of of many other ailments and conditions, there are some tell-tale signs could help to identify it as cancerous, Dr Lee explained.
Warning as popular food and drink ‘increase risk of cancer death by up to 30%’
Cancer Research UK notes around 38% of cancer patients suffer moderate to severe pain at night (Getty Images/iStockphoto)She said: "One of the signs that pain may be due to cancer is pain that is worse at night, as well as pain that is not related to trauma.
"There may be other symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, malaise, tiredness and fatigue, nausea and vomiting, or fever."
The doctor went on to explain one of the main reasons why cancerous pain can be worse at night.
As cancer grows more rapidly during this time that's why the debilitating symptoms often occur so late.
Cancer grows most rapidly night, hence the debilitating pain it can cause (Getty Images)"When you lie down, this changes the weight distribution of the tumour and surrounding tissues, [potentially causing pain]," Dr Lee said.
She went on to to advise sufferers to see their GP should they have unexplained pains anywhere in the body that have been persistent for three weeks or more.
"It may well have an innocent explanation, but you need to have a proper assessment," she added.