The drug should not be taken without consultation from doctors, warn experts
A study that recently analysed results of a few other studies found that a few cancers were less common in those who took a daily aspirin for 10 years. Cancers of colon, oesophagus and stomach were less prevalent in them.
To reach this conclusion, the study analysed six reviews of multiple studies and four separate studies. Thousands of participants who took 5 to 325 milligrams of aspirin daily (starting when they were 50 to 65 years old) were observed.
“The results revealed that the effects of aspirin on cancer are not apparent until at least three years after the start of use, and some benefits are sustained for several years after cessation in long-term users,” says the research published in journal Annals of Oncology. “Higher doses do not appear to confer additional benefit but increase toxicities. Excess bleeding is the most important harm associated with aspirin use,” it warns. Gastrointestinal bleeding is the most serious side effect associated with aspirin.
“Prof Jack Cuzick, at Queen Mary University of London, who led the research, urged all healthy people aged 50 and above to consider taking a small dose (75mg) of the drug every day for a decade,” says a report published in BBC News.
According to the study in the journal, for average-risk individuals aged 50–65 years taking aspirin for 10 years, there would be a relative reduction of between 7 per cent (women) and 9 per cent (men) in the number of cancer, myocardial infarction or stroke events over a 15-year period and an overall 4 per cent relative reduction in all deaths over a 20-year period.
A report from HealthDay Reporter quotes Dr Leonard Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society, to say that it is important to consult doctor before taking the medicine. “This study falls short of a recommendation that everyone take aspirin to prevent cancer…But it rises to the level that people should have a discussion with their doctor," says Lichtenfeld.
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