Knowing your blood type could be crucial—not just in emergencies but also for managing long-term health risks like cancer. Research suggests that one blood group may have a lower likelihood of developing certain cancers.
However, blood type information isn’t routinely provided when donating blood. Most people learn theirs only when undergoing medical treatment. There are four main blood groups: A, B, AB, and O, each classified as either positive or negative based on the presence of the Rh protein.
Studies have explored links between blood type and disease risk. Research indicates that Type O individuals may have a lower chance of heart disease, while Types A, B, and AB are associated with a higher risk of stomach cancer. A 2015 study found that Type O blood is linked to a reduced risk of pancreatic and colorectal cancers.
Dr. Sanjay Aggarwal notes that ongoing research suggests Type O blood may lower pancreatic cancer risk due to its potential role in bacterial infections.
