Aspirin Reduces Cancer Risk by 21%

British researchers revealed in an article published in The Lancet that a daily dose in the range of 75mg to 500mg of Aspirin reduced the risk of cancer by 21 percent. In most cases, the effects increased with time, with better results persisting for up to 20 years.

The findings of the study involved 25,570 participants who had been on aspirin therapy for at least four years. In all cases the trials compared aspirin to a placebo.
As well as cancer, the study revealed that death by other means was reduced by 10 percent by those patients on 75mg of aspirin per day.

The effect of taking a daily dose of aspirin reduced cancer risk by 21 percent on average, although differing cancers faired differently. Esophageal/throat cancer risk was reduced by 60 percent, bowel cancer by 40 percent, lung cancer by 30 percent and prostate cancer by 10 percent.

The study was carried out by Study leader, Professor Peter Rothwell at Oxford University, who believes that his team's findings will have a major impact on public health policy.

The study from Prof Rothwell represents strong evidence that aspirin can prevent the development of cancer, especially in the gastrointestinal tract, It is of more than academic interest: it should stimulate a re-evaluation of the role of aspirin with wider use of the drug. At the same time, we are acutely aware that aspirin is not without risks. In particular, it can cause internal ulcer bleeding and patients on aspirin should take a protective anti-ulcer drug such as omeprazole," said Professor Chris Hawkey, President of the British Society of Gastroenterology.

"But aspirin is not the only measure needed to reduce the risks of cancer. Lifestyle measures such as remaining slim, not smoking or drinking to excess and eating a healthy diet all have an important part to play. People should not ignore warning symptoms like rectal bleeding especially if associated with tummy pain, change in bowel habit or weight loss."

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