Aspirin cuts cancer risk
Friday October 28th, 2011
People with a genetic risk of developing cancer may benefit from taking a daily aspirin or two, according to the findings of a major study published today.
The drug
reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer by more than 60 per cent
in the first major study of its kind.
The research, led by Newcastle University, UK, tested the treatment on nearly 1,000 people with a genetic condition known as Lynch Syndrome, which makes people vulnerable to colorectal cancer and some other cancers.
Half the participants took two aspirins a day for at least two years. The others did not - making it a randomised control trial.
Four years ago it looked as if aspirin had no impact - but since then more than 50 if the participants have developed the disease, 19 after taking aspirin and 34 of those who did not.
The research involved 16 countries and 43 centres.
Research leader Professor Sir John Burn said today: "We have succeeded in showing the benefits of aspirin because we had a lot of long term data and because Lynch syndrome is associated with rapid development of cancer.
"Before anyone begins to take aspirin on a regular basis they should consult their doctor as aspirin is known to bring with it a risk of stomach complaints including ulcers.
"However, if there is a strong family history of cancer then people may want to weigh up the cost-benefits particularly as these days drugs which block acid production in the stomach are available over the counter."
Tags: Cancer | Genetics | Pharmaceuticals | UK News
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