Aspirin is commonly known for its ability to prevent heart attacks, but a recent study has found a new benefit – a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. The study looked at data from over 100,000 men and women who participated in long-term health studies and was published in JAMA Oncology.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Washington University School of Medicine discovered that regular aspirin use was linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer, especially in individuals with unhealthy lifestyles. Unhealthy habits like smoking, poor diet, high alcohol intake, lack of physical activity, and high BMI were considered criteria for determining unhealthy lifestyles.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst for Fox News, pointed out that there is an association between regular, low-dose aspirin use and a decreased risk of colon cancer, especially in patients already at higher risk due to various factors. The study’s lead author, Daniel Sikavi, emphasized that participants with the least healthy lifestyles saw the greatest benefit from aspirin use in reducing their risk of colorectal cancer.
Even patients with healthier lifestyles showed some benefit from aspirin, but to a lesser extent. The researchers recommended that healthcare providers consider suggesting aspirin to patients with less healthy lifestyles. However, one limitation of the study was the lack of systematic assessment of potential side effects associated with aspirin use.
Despite the promising findings, it is important to note that this study is observational and further research is needed to establish a causal relationship between aspirin use and reduced colorectal cancer risk. Nonetheless, experts believe that aspirin’s anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in lowering the risk of colon cancer.
The American Cancer Society estimates that thousands of new cases of colon and rectal cancer will be diagnosed in 2024. This study highlights the potential for targeted preventive strategies in cancer prevention, such as recommending aspirin to high-risk populations. While more research is needed, these findings open up new possibilities for personalized approaches to cancer prevention and treatment.