People with these two blood groups have a higher risk of stomach cancer, a big revelation in research

A research has found that people with blood groups ‘A’ and ‘AB’ have a higher risk of stomach cancer. According to the study, this risk rises to 13% in those with A blood group and 18% in those with AB. Cause infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria...

Due to changing lifestyle and eating habits, serious diseases like cancer are also increasing among the youth. Recent research suggests that those with some–blood group may have a slightly higher risk of stomach (Gastic) cancer than others. Let us understand how and why this happens.

How is blood group determined?

Our blood groups (A, B, AB, O) are genetic - meet parents. These groups are fixed by the combination of antigens present on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs) and antibodies present in plasma. Also there is Rh factor (Positive/Negative) of blood.

Big revelation in research study

In a consolidated review of several researches, a pattern was found that people with blood groups A and AB have a somewhat higher risk of stomach cancer. As an example in some studies the risk of stomach cancer was observed to be approximately 13–19% higher in those with blood group A and 9–18% higher in the AB group than in the O group. This does not mean that those with A/AB will definitely get cancer, just showing slight differences in risk.

Does blood group directly cause cancer?

The study did not clearly state that blood group directly causes cancer, but some bio-arguments have been given:

• There may be differences in the ability to control inflammation (inflammation) in different blood groups.
• Communication between cells (cell signaling) and the way the immune system identifies cancer cells may vary.
• Stomach acid levels may be different in some blood groups, which may affect the risk.

Connection of Helicobacter pylori and blood group

Older reports suggest that bacterial infections called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) were more frequent in people in blood group A. This bacteria can cause stomach lesions and inflammation and increase the risk of cancer in the long run. AB group also indicated increased risk in association with H. pylori. Yet many studies showed a somewhat higher risk in those in the A group even without H. pylori infection, so this may be just one reason, not the whole picture.

Which people get stomach cancer early?

• The risk increases with aging (higher among the elderly).
• Globally, cases are more common in some regions—, such as Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America—.
• It is more common in men than in women.
• Habits like family history, poor diet, obesity, smoking and alcohol increase the risk.
• There are also reports of increased cases in some youth groups (young Hispanic women, for example).

Early signs, don't ignore them

Early symptoms of stomach cancer are often similar to normal gas, ulcers, or digestive problems:

• Persistent pain or cramps in the stomach
• Loss of appetite and rapid weight loss
• Prolonged indigestion, acidity or indigestion
• Vomiting or bleeding (blood in the vomit or stool)
• Weakness, fatigue, drop in blood height (anemia)

If these symptoms persist for a long time, get checked by a doctor.

What to do, precautions and prevention

1. Regular screening: Especially if there is a family history of stomach cancer or risk factors are present.

2. Examination and treatment of H. pylori: If infection is found, it can be cured with antibiotic therapy.

3. Healthy diet: Reduce low-salt, processed, and smoked foods; Include fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

4. Weight and lifestyle control: Reduce obesity, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.

5. Medical consultation: Consult a gastroenterologist if you have persistent stomach problems; Timely tests such as endoscopy/biopsy may be necessary.

PC:PunjabKesari