Morning Spit Blood – Could It Be Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal tract cancers in China. According to statistics from the National Cancer Center, around 700,000 new cases of stomach cancer were diagnosed in 2018. The early symptoms of gastric cancer are often very mild and can be easily mistaken for other common digestive issues such as peptic ulcers. These symptoms may include slight abdominal discomfort, acid reflux, or indigestion, making early detection particularly challenging.

One of the key signs of stomach cancer is gastrointestinal bleeding, which typically appears as occult blood in the stool rather than as blood in vomit or saliva. This is why many patients are diagnosed at a later stage when the disease has already progressed. Due to the nature of the stomach as a hollow organ, accurate diagnosis often requires a gastroscopic examination. However, many individuals avoid this critical test due to anxiety or fear related to the procedure, which leads to missed opportunities for early detection.

It's important to note that spitting blood in the morning is not a typical symptom of early-stage stomach cancer. Rather, it could be linked to other conditions such as oral infections, respiratory issues, or even severe gastrointestinal bleeding in advanced stages. For individuals with high-risk factors such as a family history of gastric cancer, chronic gastritis, or Helicobacter pylori infection, regular endoscopic screenings are strongly recommended. These screenings can significantly increase the chances of early diagnosis and effective treatment.

In conclusion, while morning blood in saliva is not a common early indicator of stomach cancer, being aware of risk factors and undergoing routine medical check-ups, especially gastroscopies, can be life-saving. Early detection remains the best strategy for improving outcomes in gastric cancer cases.