At present, people’s lifestyle is changing rapidly, due to which the risk of serious diseases is also increasing. Especially a deadly disease like cancer is now affecting more people than before.
This is the reason why people have become more cautious about their health than ever before and get health checkups done regularly. But do you know that your blood group can also increase the risk of stomach cancer? Let us know about this in detail.
How is blood group determined?
Most people come to know about their blood group only when they have to donate blood or undergo any medical procedure. Actually, we get blood group genetically from our parents. There are four main blood groups around the world – A, B, AB and O. These letters represent the combination of antigen and antibody present in the blood. Positive (+) and negative (-) are also associated with the blood group, which tells whether the RH factor is present in the person’s blood or not.
Is the risk of disease associated with blood type?
Yes, research has revealed that blood group may be associated with some diseases. According to a study published in the journal BMC Cancer in 2019, people who have blood group A or AB have a higher risk of stomach cancer.
What came out in the study?
This study showed that compared to people with O blood group:
- People with A blood group had a 13% higher risk of stomach cancer.
- This risk increases to 18% in people with AB blood group.
A similar pattern was seen when more than 40 studies were reviewed. The risk of cancer was on average 19% higher among those with type A and 9% higher among those with type AB.
What is the relation of blood group to stomach cancer?
Research did not make it clear that having A or AB blood group alone causes cancer, but it was definitely found that there are some biological differences in these blood groups which can increase the risk of cancer. For example, people with A blood group may have a reduced ability to produce stomach acid. Additionally, the ability of their immune systems to recognize and eliminate cancer cells is also different.
Helicobacter pylori related
The study also found that people with A blood group are more likely to be infected with a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. This bacteria is considered a major cause of stomach cancer. However, this risk was also seen in people in whom this bacteria was not present. If people with AB blood group get infected with Helicobacter pylori, the risk of stomach cancer increases further.
Which people are at higher risk of stomach cancer?
- According to the National Cancer Institute, this cancer is less common in the United States, but it is the fifth most common cancer worldwide.
- Its cases are seen more in some parts of Asia, Eastern Europe and South America.
- Its chances are twice as likely in men as in women.
- The risk increases with age, but cases are now being reported among youth as well, especially among Hispanic women.
What are the reasons why stomach cancer increases?
- bad diet
- Family history (genetic causes)
- Obesity and other health problems