If you have a certain blood type, you’re MORE likely to develop cancer, research suggests

Blood Type Linked to Higher Cancer Risk

Recent research suggests that certain blood types may be more vulnerable to deadly cancers.

A study of 50,000 Iranians found that people with blood types A, B, or AB—making up about half of the UK population—face a 55% higher risk of stomach cancer.

The same study indicated that individuals with type A blood are six times more likely to develop bowel cancer, highlighting a strong association between blood type and digestive cancers.

Another 2016 study of nearly 18,000 adults revealed that people with blood type AB have a 45% higher chance of developing liver cancer, while those with O or AB blood were about one-sixth less likely to get this disease.

Experts are still unsure why blood types affect cancer risk. One theory suggests that different blood types respond differently to bacteria and other threats, which may trigger cellular changes that increase cancer susceptibility.

Caution is advised when interpreting these results, as some studies involve relatively small participant numbers and may overlook other major risk factors, such as smoking or alcohol consumption.

In the UK, the most common blood type is O-positive, followed by A-positive and A-negative, while AB-negative is the rarest at just 1%. Blood type is determined by genetics and cannot be changed. People can learn their blood type through self-testing kits starting at £9.99, private clinics under £100, or free through NHS blood donations or hospital inquiries.