Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum.
It is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, after lung cancer and prostate cancer in men and breast cancer and lung cancer in women. While colon cancer is treatable in its early stages, it can be fatal if it spreads.
According to the American Cancer Society, there will be an estimated 104,270 new cases of colon cancer and 45,230 new cases of rectal cancer in the United States in 2021.
Colon cancer can be prevented through screening exams, lifestyle changes, and diet. However, researchers have discovered a new pill that cuts colon cancer risk in half.
What is this Amazing Pill?
The amazing pill is called the aspirin pill. Aspirin is a common over-the-counter pain reliever that has been in use for over a century. It is an antiplatelet drug that helps prevent blood clots.
Researchers have found that taking a low dose of aspirin on a daily basis can reduce the risk of colon cancer by up to 50%.
How Does Aspirin Reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer?
The exact mechanism behind aspirin’s ability to reduce the risk of colon cancer is not yet fully understood.
However, researchers believe that aspirin works by reducing inflammation, preventing the formation of polyps, and suppressing the growth of cancer cells.
Polyps are growths that develop on the inside lining of the colon or rectum. Most polyps are benign, but some can become cancerous. Aspirin helps prevent the formation of polyps by reducing inflammation.
Inflammation can lead to the development of polyps and can also cause the growth of cancer cells.
Aspirin also suppresses the growth of cancer cells by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 is an enzyme that is involved in the production of inflammation, which can lead to the development of cancer.
By blocking COX-2, aspirin helps prevent the growth of cancer cells.
Who Should Take Aspirin?
Aspirin is not for everyone. While aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer, it is not recommended for everyone. Aspirin can have side effects, such as bleeding, stomach ulcers, and stroke.
Therefore, before taking aspirin, it is important to talk to your doctor.
According to the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), people who have an increased risk of developing colon cancer should consider taking a low-dose aspirin on a daily basis.
Individuals over the age of 50, those with a family history of colon cancer, and those with inflammatory bowel disease are considered to be at high risk of developing colon cancer.
However, it is important to note that aspirin is not a replacement for screening exams, such as colonoscopy. Screening exams can detect polyps and early-stage cancer when treatment is most effective.
What are the Risks of Taking Aspirin?
Aspirin can have side effects, such as bleeding, stomach ulcers, and stroke. Therefore, before taking aspirin, it is important to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you determine whether the benefits of taking aspirin outweigh the risks.
It is important to follow the recommended dose of aspirin. Taking too much aspirin can increase the risk of side effects. The recommended dose of aspirin for the prevention of colon cancer is 81 milligrams (mg) to 325 mg per day.
Conclusion
Colon cancer is a deadly disease that can be prevented through screening exams, lifestyle changes, and diet. However, researchers have discovered a new pill that cuts colon cancer risk in half.
Aspirin is a common over-the-counter pain reliever that has been in use for over a century. It is an antiplatelet drug that helps prevent blood clots. Taking a low dose of aspirin on a daily basis can reduce the risk of colon cancer by up to 50%. However, aspirin is not for everyone. Before taking aspirin, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Your doctor can help you determine whether the benefits of taking aspirin outweigh the risks.