Latest news with #Opositive
Irish Times
21-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
‘Concern' at Irish Blood Transfusion Service over supply in several groups
An additional 2,000 blood donations are required over the coming weeks as some blood groups have fallen to three days' supply 'causing concern', the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has said. Although the IBTS aims to have seven days' worth of stock at all times, current supply levels have fallen to three days for some blood groups such as O negative and B negative. While the service is seeking donations across all blood groups to meet 'consistently high demand,' it noted that O positive, the most common blood group in Ireland, is at just over 2½ days' supply. Director of donor services and logistics Paul McKinney said the low supply of O positive in particular, which is typically the easiest to collect due to a large pool of donors, is a 'real concern' and 'very unusual'. READ MORE Hospital demand for blood has remained high since the Easter bank holiday, while the extended period of warm weather and the start of the summer holiday period have affected clinic attendances and donor availability, said Mr McKinney. Last week, the IBTS issued a 'pre-amber alert' to all hospitals, restricting issues and asking for a reduction in their stock holding, which allows the service to manage the limited supply available more effectively, he said. 'If we were to go to amber, which we never have done, we would send an instruction asking them to review their operations and to consider not going ahead with elective operations,' he said. The IBTS, which requires more than 3,000 units of blood each week to maintain the national supply, is seeking regular donors to attend their nearest clinic, particularly in Dublin and Cork where there is increased clinic availability. New donors, who can check their eligibility on , are 'especially welcome,' particularly those of African heritage who could help diversify the donor base, said Mr McKinney.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Your blood type could increase your risk of breast cancer by 18% – do you know yours?
ONE of the most common blood types has been identified as a potential breast cancer risk factor by scientists. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, so identifying risk factors is vital for early detection and prevention. 2 While many studies have explored lifestyle and genetic causes, a new study focused on the ABO blood group system. By pooling global data, the researchers found blood type A was the most common among breast cancer patients, and was linked to an 18 per cent increased risk compared to type O. In the UK, the most common blood type is O positive (O+), followed by A positive (A+). O positive is found in about 36 per cent of the population, while A positive is found in around 30 per cent. AB negative (AB-) is the rarest blood type, making up only one per cent of the population. The study didn't find a significant association between breast cancer and blood types B, AB, or Rh factor. Blood groups are determined by the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells. The ABO system, which includes the A, B, and O antigens, and the Rh factor (RhD antigen) are the most important determinants of blood type. Rh-positive individuals have the RhD antigen, while Rh-negative individuals lack it. The researchers suggested blood group antigens in breast tissue may influence how cancer develops and spreads by interacting with the immune system or affecting cell behaviour. This study is the most extensive review to date on this topic, based on studies conducted across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. The researchers also noted regional differences, genetic diversity, and study quality may affect individual results. But the overall trend supports considering blood type A as a potential risk marker. This insight could help shape screening guidelines, encouraging earlier or more frequent checkups for women with this blood type. Further researcher is needed to understand why blood type A may play a role in cancer development. How to find out your blood type 2 To determine your blood type, a sample of your blood needs to be taken and tested, usually by a blood donation service or a doctor. Who is more likely to get breast cancer? ANYONE can get breast cancer and it's not always clear what causes it. But the NHS says you might be more likely to get it if you: are over 50 have dense breast tissue – you may be told this after a breast screening (mammogram) have other people in your family who've had breast or ovarian cancer – you may have inherited a faulty gene, such as a faulty BRCA gene have certain breast conditions, such as benign breast disease, ductal carcinoma in situ or lobular carcinoma in situ You may also be more likely to get breast cancer if you have higher levels of the hormones oestrogen, progesterone or testosterone. This may be more likely if you: started your periods before you were 12, or went through the menopause after you turned 55 have not given birth, or gave birth for the first time after 30 did not breastfeed your children have used the contraceptive pill in the last 10 years, or take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – these only slightly increase your risk and for many people the benefits of taking them outweigh the risks Many breast cancers are also linked to lifestyle, such as smoking.
