Researchers show which blood group has the lowest cancer risk

Why Blood Type Might Matter

Blood group antigens are not only found on red blood cells — they’re also present on the surface of many other cells throughout the body. Scientists think these antigens may influence:

• How cells communicate
• How the immune system responds to threats
• How inflammation develops and resolves
• How certain pathogens interact with the body

In people with blood type O, the absence of A and B antigens may reduce some of these interactions in ways that slightly lower cancer risk.

Important Context: Risk Is Still Individual

Experts strongly emphasize that blood type alone does not determine whether someone will develop cancer.

Lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, environmental exposure, and access to healthcare have a much larger impact on cancer risk than blood group. Genetics beyond blood type also play a significant role.

In other words, having blood type O does not guarantee protection, and having another blood type does not mean cancer is inevitable.