Low-Dose Aspirin Reduces Colon Cancer Risk in Women

Researchers examining aspirin's cancer effects over 10 years found reduced colon cancer risk in women.

Aspirin, which has been used for approximately 100 years, has now become a drug found in every home. Generally used to relieve pain and reduce fever, aspirin has many properties that benefit the body. Its positive effects in cancer, as in blocked blood vessels, heart attacks, and diabetes, are too important to ignore.

Aspirin inhibits cancer-related changes and blood cell proliferation, promotes cancer cell self-destruction and prevents vessel development and oxygen supply. American research finds reduced colon cancer risk in women.

Research results published in the American journal Annals of Internal Medicine showed that the risk of colon cancer decreased in women taking low-dose aspirin every other day. However, alongside its benefits, it was also found to carry a risk of stomach bleeding.

Some previous studies of potentially life-threatening colorectal cancer have shown that taking aspirin daily reduces the risk of developing the cancer. Earlier studies also found that it reduced the risk of hereditary colon cancer. Recommendations in the United States are that women aged 55 - 79 use aspirin when necessary for its potential benefits.

The study, conducted over 10 years to evaluate the effects of vitamin E and aspirin on cardiovascular disease and cancer risk, enrolled women aged 45 or older without cancer or cardiovascular disease, a total of 39 876 patients. Some of the women received treatment for 10 years with 100mg aspirin every other day, while others received placebo (an inactive substance given as if it were medicine). During the study period (10 years), the number of patients observed was 33 682.

During the 10 years of the ongoing study, 5,071 cancers were identified (2,070 breast cancers, 451 colorectal cancers, and 431 lung cancers). Of these patients, 1,391 faced a risk of death. Colon cancer risk decreased by %20 in women taking aspirin, while no reduction occurred in breast or lung cancer risk. Throughout the study, stomach bleeding and ulcers were the side effects identified in the aspirin group.

Accordingly, long-term, alternate-day low-dose aspirin was found to potentially reduce colorectal cancer risk in healthy women. However, the risk of stomach bleeding with widespread aspirin use in healthy middle-aged women and its failure to reduce overall cancer risk must not be overlooked. As I always state, medication should be used under medical supervision. The doctor treating you and/or performing your checkups has detailed information about your health circumstances. This means being able to determine which drug is appropriate for you.

Remember! Informed medication use avoids unnecessary bodily burden and protects health.