Some early signs of cancer can manifest in the morning, as your body transitions from rest to activity. While these signs don’t always point to cancer, being aware of them can help you seek medical attention early. Here are 7 signs to watch out for when waking up in the morning, which could potentially indicate a more serious underlying condition:

1. Unexplained Weight Loss What to watch for: Waking up and noticing a significant decrease in weight without any change in diet or exercise habits could be a sign of cancer, especially in cancers like pancreatic, stomach, or lung cancer. Why it matters: Rapid weight loss occurs because the body is using more energy than normal to fight the cancer, or the cancer is affecting how the body processes food. 2. Fatigue and Weakness What to watch for: Feeling unusually tired or weak when you wake up, even after a full night’s sleep, can be a sign of cancer. This tiredness may persist throughout the day and can be associated with cancers such as leukemia, colon cancer, or ovarian cancer. Why it matters: Cancer cells use up a lot of the body’s energy, leaving you feeling fatigued. In some cases, the body may also have difficulty absorbing nutrients properly, leading to weakness. 3. Unexplained Pain What to watch for: Persistent, unexplained pain when you wake up, such as headaches, back pain, or joint pain, may be a symptom of cancer. For example, constant headaches could signal brain tumors, while back pain could indicate cancers of the spine or organs like the pancreas or kidneys. Why it matters: While many conditions cause pain, persistent and unexplained pain that doesn’t go away with rest could be a sign of an underlying serious issue. 4. Changes in the Skin What to watch for: Waking up to find new or changing moles, freckles, or skin discoloration could be an early warning sign of skin cancer. You might notice a mole changing in size, shape, or color, or developing an irregular border. Why it matters: Skin cancer, such as melanoma, can develop from existing moles or new growths. Early detection can improve treatment outcomes significantly. 5. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness What to watch for: A cough or hoarseness that doesn’t go away in the morning could be a sign of lung cancer, especially if it’s accompanied by blood in the mucus or difficulty breathing. Why it matters: A persistent cough that doesn’t improve with time could be a sign that cancer is affecting the lungs or throat, and it’s important to seek a diagnosis to rule out other possibilities. 6. Digestive Issues (Constipation, Diarrhea, or Blood in Stool) What to watch for: Waking up and feeling discomfort in your stomach or noticing changes in your bowel movements (constipation, diarrhea, blood in stool) could indicate cancers of the digestive system, such as colon cancer or stomach cancer. Why it matters: Digestive changes, especially blood in stool, should never be ignored, as they can point to gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal cancer. 7. Difficulty Swallowing or a Sore Throat What to watch for: If you wake up feeling like you have a sore throat or difficulty swallowing that doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of esophageal, throat, or stomach cancer. Why it matters: Difficulty swallowing (also known as dysphagia) can indicate a blockage or narrowing of the esophagus, often caused by cancer.