Can Giving Blood Regularly Help Prevent Cancer?

In a new study, researchers found that these frequent blood donors developed changes in their bone marrow that support the production of healthier blood cells. The study from the Francis Crick Institute explored the long-term health of over 200 super blood donors—individuals who donated blood three times a year for more than 40 years.

Why does this matter?
Those changes could help lower the risk of diseases like cancer. Scientists believe that regularly replenishing blood encourages the body to renew its stem cells, some of which carry beneficial mutations linked to stronger health outcomes.

Of course, there’s more to learn. It’s possible that people who donate regularly are already healthier to begin with. But if further research supports these findings, blood donation could be a win-win: saving lives and supporting your own long-term health.

This fascinating link between blood donation and cancer prevention is just the beginning of what science is discovering about how our choices shape our biology.