Breast cancer remains the most diagnosed cancer among women worldwide.
While lifestyle and genetic factors are well-known contributors, researchers are now zeroing in on something more unexpected – your blood type.
A comprehensive global analysis has uncovered a worrying connection between one specific blood group and a heightened risk of developing breast cancer.
And the findings could influence how we approach early detection in the future.
The blood type you didn’t expect
By analyzing data from studies across four continents, scientists discovered a clear pattern.
One blood type consistently showed up more frequently among breast cancer patients: type A.
Compared to type O, individuals with blood type A were found to have an 18 % higher risk of developing breast cancer.
The association was not significant for blood types B, AB, or in relation to Rh factor.
Researchers suggest this could be due to how certain blood group antigens interact with the immune system or influence cell behavior in breast tissue.
These biological mechanisms might affect how cancer forms and spreads – though more research is still needed to confirm this.
Should you be concerned?
If you don’t know your blood type, you’re not alone. In the UK, O positive is the most common, followed by A positive.
But knowing whether you fall into the higher-risk category could encourage more proactive health decisions.
Finding out your blood type is simple: donate blood or ask your doctor for a test.
Having type A doesn’t mean you’ll get breast cancer – but it could be one more reason to stay on top of regular screenings, especially if you also have other risk factors.
This article is based on information from The Sun.