Cancer warning signs can manifest at any point during the day, but certain symptoms are more prone to appearing first thing in the morning.
Recognising these indicators could enable people to seek medical examination for cancer and receive potentially life-saving treatment earlier.
A pharmacist has warned that any unusual changes noticed upon waking should prompt an immediate visit to your GP.
Abbas Kanani, a pharmacist at Chemist Click, revealed that a lingering cough, exhaustion and nocturnal sweating could all serve as red flags for cancer.
He noted that smokers frequently wake with a morning cough, however if it continues beyond two weeks you should consult a GP whether you smoke or not.
Another alarming symptom you might encounter in the morning is exhaustion – which becomes particularly concerning when combined with additional 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 said.
A third warning sign the pharmacist highlighted was nocturnal sweating.
If your bedding is soaked or moist from perspiration, 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
Reducing smoking and alcohol consumption can lower cancer risks Cancer Research UK has highlighted the importance of lifestyle changes, such as reducing smoking and drinking, in significantly lowering cancer risks.
The charity has emphasised that quitting smoking is the “biggest preventable cause of cancer in the UK, and worldwide.”
On their website, they clarify: “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.”
They further stress that there is no safe level of smoking. Additionally, cutting down on alcohol could also help individuals reduce their cancer risks, according to the charity.
They state: “Alcohol causes 7 types of cancer, including breast, mouth and bowel cancer. Whatever your drinking habits, cutting down will reduce your risk.”