Aspirin’s potential role in cancer prevention
In the United States, millions of adults take aspirin daily to lower their risk of heart attack and stroke. However, recent studies have indicated that regular aspirin use might also decrease the risk of developing or dying from certain types of cancer.
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The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended in April 2016 that, for some individuals, aspirin could be used to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer. This recommendation was based on several studies suggesting aspirin’s potential in cancer prevention. In India, the annual incidence rates (AARs) for colon cancer and rectal cancer in men are 4.4 and 4.1 per 100000.
One such study published in ‘Nature Reviews Cancer’ by Andrew Chan, M.D., and colleagues from Harvard Medical School emphasised the importance of this recommendation, calling it a “crucial first step” towards realising aspirin’s potential for broader cancer prevention.
Aspirin’s impact on various types of cancer
According to Robert S. Bresalier, M.D., a professor of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at MD Anderson, taking a low-dose aspirin (81 milligrams) daily may protect against many types of cancer, including those that are difficult to treat.
For instance, studies have shown that long-term aspirin use can reduce the rates of precancerous colorectal polyps and prostate lesions. Taking a low-dose aspirin daily could potentially cut the risk of colon and rectal cancer by up to 50%.
Research from the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that breast cancer patients who took a daily aspirin for three to five years were 60% less likely to experience a recurrence of the disease and 71% less likely to die from it. Aspirin may also slow the spread of lung cancer by 20% to 30% and decrease stomach cancer deaths by 31% if taken daily for more than ten years.
Mechanism behind aspirin’s effectiveness
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Aspirin works by reducing chronic inflammation, which plays a significant role in the development and spread of cancer cells. While inflammation is a normal response to illness or injury, chronic inflammation can create an environment that promotes cancer growth. Aspirin blocks the production of enzymes that increase inflammation in the body, thereby reducing cancer risks or slowing the spread of the disease.
While the potential of aspirin in preventing various types of cancer is promising, it’s important to consider the risks associated with its long-term use. Aspirin can increase the risk of internal bleeding, particularly among older adults, those with a history of ulcers, or those taking anticoagulant drugs.