Aspirin Promising Against Some Cancers
The old saying "An aspirin a day keeps the doctor away" may not be too far off, especially when it comes to preventing cancer.
Studies show that taken regularly, aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) may significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer, mouth and throat cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer. It is believed to block mutations that cause cells to madly reproduce, and it also may encourage cancer cells to self-destruct.
"Aspirin continues to be a molecule that offers hope as part of chemoprevention strategies to reduce the incidence of colorectal neoplasms (rapidly growing abnormal tissue) both before and after diagnosis of colorectal cancer," says Dr. Carlos Becerra, assistant professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and colorectal cancer specialist. "Future studies will try to delineate better which populations will benefit most from acetylsalicylic acid intervention and in which individuals the potential toxicity precludes its use."
Many doctors and researchers add, however, that more studies are needed to confirm that the benefits of aspirin outweigh the risks. It is still unknown what dosage is appropriate or how long it must be taken before offering protection. Aspirin also can cause side effects, such as internal bleeding, and interact dangerously with other drugs.
Dr. Becerra and other doctors recommend only people age 40 or older take aspirin and other drugs as preventative medicines. Children should not be given daily doses.