Many people consider blood type relevant only for medical emergencies or blood transfusions, but experts say that individuals with certain blood groups may face a higher risk of cancer.
Recent medical research has revealed that blood types can provide important information about a person’s overall health, including the likelihood of developing serious diseases such as cancer.
In the context of the increasing spread of cancer, a new study has specifically identified a link between stomach cancer and certain blood groups.
According to a report published in 2019 in the medical journal BMC Cancer, people with particular blood types were found to have a higher risk of gastric cancer compared to others.
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, refers to the abnormal growth of cancer cells in the inner lining of the stomach, which gradually damages healthy cells.
Experts say that changes in lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and environmental factors are major reasons behind the rise of this disease.
The research states that individuals with blood group A and AB have a relatively higher risk of stomach cancer.
The study found that people with blood group A have about 13 to 19 percent higher risk compared to those with blood group O, while the risk increases by up to 18 percent for individuals with blood group AB. Later meta analyses of multiple studies also confirmed these findings.
Experts also pointed out that people with blood group A are more likely to be infected with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium considered a major cause of stomach cancer.
However, the research suggests that even without this infection, individuals with blood group A still remain at higher risk, while the presence of Helicobacter pylori further increases the risk for those with blood group AB.
Experts agree that blood type cannot be directly considered a cause of cancer, but differences in inflammation control, immune response, cellular interaction, and stomach acid levels among various blood groups may influence cancer risk.
Medical specialists say that stomach cancer results from multiple factors, including poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, infections, and environmental effects.
The disease is more common in parts of Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, and the risk increases with age. Statistics show that it is diagnosed more frequently in men than in women.
Health experts advise that adopting a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco, and undergoing timely medical checkups can help reduce the risk of stomach cancer and many other diseases.
