China(The COW News Digital)Recent research has highlighted a potential link between blood group types and the risk of developing stomach cancer, suggesting that some individuals may be more susceptible than others based on their blood type.
While blood groups are commonly associated with transfusions and emergency medical care, medical experts emphasize that they can also offer insights into overall health and susceptibility to certain diseases. A growing body of research has explored the relationship between blood types and the likelihood of developing various forms of cancer.
A 2019 study published in the medical journal BMC Cancer investigated the connection between gastric (stomach) cancer and blood group types. Gastric cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the lining of the stomach, gradually damaging healthy tissues and impairing normal digestive functions.
The findings indicated that individuals with blood group A or AB showed a higher risk of developing stomach cancer compared to other blood groups. Specifically, people with blood group A were found to have a 13–19% higher likelihood of developing the disease than those with blood group O. Meanwhile, individuals with blood group AB faced up to an 18% increased risk. Subsequent meta-analyses of multiple studies have supported these results.
Medical researchers note that blood group A individuals are also more susceptible to Helicobacter pylori infections, a bacterium strongly associated with gastric cancer. However, the study emphasized that even without this infection, blood group A carriers remain at an elevated risk. For blood group AB, the presence of H. pylori may further amplify the chances of developing the disease.
Experts caution that blood group alone is not a direct cause of cancer. Factors such as immune system response, inflammation regulation, intercellular communication, and gastric acid levels can vary by blood type, potentially influencing disease risk.
Stomach cancer is influenced by a combination of lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors, including unbalanced diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, certain infections, and environmental exposures. The disease is more prevalent in parts of Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, with risk increasing with age. Statistical analyses also indicate that men are more likely than women to be diagnosed with gastric cancer.
Health professionals recommend regular screenings, especially for individuals with risk factors, and emphasize maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle as key preventive measures. Understanding the correlation between blood group and disease risk could help identify high-risk groups for early interventions.
