All blood groups have their specificity. So, we recently saw that one blood type seemed to age more slowly than the others. Today, discover several studies that have studied the risk of cancer specific to certain blood groups.
Cancer risks that vary depending on your group
An Iranian study of 50,000 people sought to detect an association between ABO blood groups and overall mortality. After 7 years of follow-up, it was clear that “non-O” blood groups had increased mortality. Especially :
- Blood types A, B or AB had a 55% higher risk of developing stomach cancer compared to people with blood type O;
- People with blood group A also have a six times higher risk of developing intestinal (or colorectal) cancer according to the study;
- Other research also conducted on more than 18,000 adults found that people with blood type AB had a 45% increased risk of developing liver cancer.
This same study found that people with blood types O and AB had about one-sixth lower risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
The reason is not yet clear
Although links between blood groups and certain diseases have been observed, scientists have not yet been able to explain the reasons, particularly in stomach cancer. One theory is that different blood types cause different immune system responses to threats, such as bacteria trigger changes in cells that increase the chances of developing cancer.
However, more research is needed to better understand the true impact of blood types on these risks.
Other experts also called for caution in interpreting these findings. Their argument? These trials that only target blood type often do not take into account other factors that increase cancer risk, such as alcohol consumption or being a smoker.
How to know your blood type?
In France, the distribution of ABO blood groups in the general population is as follows:
- Group A: 44% (including 7% rhesus -)
- Group O: 42% (including 6% rhesus -)
- Group B: 10% (including 1% rhesus -)
- The AB group: 4% (including 1% rhesus -)
There are several ways to find out your blood group:
- This is sometimes determined at birth, but the examination is not systematically carried out;
- The blood type is always sought in the context of a pregnancy, or a surgical procedure, when it is not known. If it is not already known, the blood group will be systematically tested in the event of a transfusion need;
- Any other person wanting to know their blood group can request a blood test on medical prescription.
Any request may entitle you to a blood group card to keep in your documents.
