What your blood type means for you as one category increases cancer risk
Do you know your blood type?
Although many of us aren't actually aware of our blood groups, there's a lot to learn about the different types.
And as it turns out, some are more susceptible to certain bugs and illnesses, while others are more capable of fighting off viruses.
There are four different blood groups - A, B, AB and O. Each of these groups can then be further classified, as either 'positive (+)' or 'negative (-)' depending on the absence or presence of the Rh factor’s D antigen - something known as the Rh system.
Most people only discover their blood group when being treated for a specific health condition, while pregnant or while donating blood.
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You might not be aware, but your blood type can actually tell you a lot about your body.
Let's get into it.
Type A
According to the New York Post, one of the major benefits of having a Type A blood group is that you're less susceptible to norovirus, which as many of us will know, is a pretty grim vomiting bug that tends to return every winter.
Type A are also less susceptible to mosquito bites, however this group has been linked to having higher levels of cholesterol, and those with Type A are also more likely to experience a stroke.
Unfortunately, the bad news continues.
Those with Type A are more at risk of gastric and pancreatic cancers, and tend to experience more stress due to naturally higher cortisol levels.
Type B
It's a more positive picture for those with Type B blood, who are less likely to develop kidney stones as well as stomach and bladder cancer.
They're also less appealing to ticks, meaning they'll be bitten less. Those with a B blood group are also more resistant to smallpox and malaria.
They are, however, more vulnerable to the likes of tuberculosis, and have an increased risk of heart disease and pancreatic cancer.
According to Medserg, those with Type B have a strong immune system.
"It has been found that people with B-positive blood groups possess a strong immune system and stable nervous system," they explain.
"They are believed to be more resistant to diseases of the digestive system because it helps to adapt to the changes in diet as per requirement."
Type AB
The AB blood group is one of the rarest types, but those with AB positive can accept blood of any other group.
Unfortunately, this blood group can carry risks of certain conditions, such as pancreatic cancer.
Type AB are also more likely to experience memory problems, with a 2014 study revealing that those with AB blood type are 82 percent more likely to develop memory issues that can lead to dementia.
Vinmec explain: "Those who have this rare blood type have a significant advantage as they can receive any blood type, especially AB+. However, due to the presence of both antigens on the red blood cells of AB blood type, individuals with this blood type can only donate blood to others with the same AB blood type."
Type O
A study conducted in 2015 reportedly ruled that only one of the four blood groups had been linked to a lessened chance of developing certain strains of cancer.
The research in question ruled that the Type O blood group has a lessened risk of such a diagnosis.
The O blood type has been linked with a reduced risk of various colorectal cancer.
In similar news, it was reported that Type O individuals have a lessened chance of developing a form of heart disease.
The bad news, though, is that those with Type O are more at risk of norovirus.
Lucy Devine