Aspirin, a common pain reliever, may increase the survival chances for cancer patients, according to recent studies. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, and the need for effective treatment options remains high.

The Research Study

The study conducted by the University of Cardiff in the United Kingdom lasted for four years. Researchers analyzed data from over 13,000 cancer patients and compared the survival rates of those taking aspirin with those who were not.

The results showed that those taking aspirin regularly had a 20% lesser chance of dying from cancer compared to those who did not use the medicine.

The study focused on patients with gastrointestinal, breast, or prostate cancer who had tumors that had spread to other parts of the body. Among the patients who regularly took aspirin, the chance of the cancer spreading decreased by 33%.

How Aspirin Helps Cancer Patients

Aspirin is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce cell damage and inflammation caused by cancer cells. Inflammation levels are often high in cancer patients, leading to a proliferation of cancerous cells.

Lowering inflammation can help alleviate symptoms, curb the spread of cancer, and slow the growth of tumors.

The mechanism by which aspirin reduces cancer spread remains a subject of investigation, but researchers believe that it could be through the inhibition of platelets.

Platelets are blood cells that are involved in blood clotting, which can help cancer cells spread in the body. Aspirin reduces platelet formation, thereby slowing down the spread of cancer cells.

Aspirin Dosage for Cancer Patients

The dosage of aspirin recommended for cancer treatment remains under research. The recent study used a 75mg daily dose, which falls in line with the recommended daily dose for heart attack prevention.

However, cancer treatment may require higher doses of aspirin, depending on the severity of the cancer.

It is worth mentioning that despite the encouraging results, aspirin should not be considered a standalone treatment option for cancer patients.

Aspirin should always be used in conjunction with prescribed medication, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy for the best results.

Aspirin Usage Side Effects

Aspirin-usage side effects should also be considered when using aspirin regularly. Aspirin usage comes with several side effects, such as increased bleeding and stroke.

These side effects are caused by the fact that aspirin thins the blood to prevent clotting. Thin blood is advantageous for cancer patients, as it reduces the chance of cancer spreading. However, patients with bleeding disorders or those on blood-thinning medication should use aspirin with caution.

Conclusion

The use of aspirin for cancer treatment is not yet clear, and more research is required.

However, the evidence gathered so far is significant and indicates that aspirin could be an effective complement to existing cancer treatments, offering an additional level of hope for cancer patients around the world.