Aspirin is known to provide pain relief and fever reduction. However, recent studies suggest there could be a link between taking aspirin and a reduced risk of developing certain types of cancer.

While these findings are preliminary, they have sparked excitement within the medical community.

How Does Aspirin Work?

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking specific enzymes that produce prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like chemicals that cause inflammation, pain, and fever.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, aspirin also acts as a blood thinner. It reduces the likelihood of blood clots by inhibiting the production of thromboxane, a substance that helps platelets stick together.

This is why aspirin is often prescribed to people at risk of heart attacks and strokes.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a group of diseases caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. These cells can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

There are over 100 different types of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. Cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

Studies on Aspirin and Cancer

Scientists have been exploring the link between aspirin and cancer for several decades.

One of the earliest studies, published in the Lancet in 1988, found that people who took aspirin regularly had a lower risk of dying from colon cancer than those who did not take aspirin.

Since then, numerous studies have investigated the potential benefits of aspirin in reducing the risk of cancer.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2012 reported that taking aspirin daily reduced the risk of colon cancer by 60 percent, and the risk of dying from colon cancer by 40 percent.

Another study, published in the journal Lancet Oncology in 2012, found that taking aspirin for at least five years reduced the risk of developing esophageal cancer by 60 percent, stomach cancer by 35 percent, and colorectal cancer by 40 percent.

A more recent study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2019, found that taking aspirin for at least six months reduced the risk of developing liver cancer by 49 percent.

How Does Aspirin Reduce the Risk of Cancer?

While the exact mechanism of action is still unclear, scientists have proposed several theories on how aspirin could reduce the risk of cancer.

One theory is that aspirin’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce chronic inflammation in the body, which is known to play a role in the development of many types of cancer.

Another theory is that aspirin’s ability to thin the blood could prevent the formation of blood clots that can lead to cancer. Some types of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer, are known to be associated with the formation of blood clots.

Aspirin could also inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent them from spreading to other parts of the body.

Side Effects of Aspirin

While aspirin is generally safe for most people, it can cause side effects in some cases. These include:.

Stomach upset
Nausea
Vomiting
Gastric ulcers
Bleeding in the stomach or intestines

Aspirin can also interact with other medications, such as blood thinners or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and increase the risk of bleeding.

Who Should Take Aspirin?

The American Cancer Society recommends that people at high risk of developing colon cancer consider taking aspirin to reduce their risk. This includes people who have:.

A family history of colon cancer
A personal history of colon polyps
A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

However, aspirin is not recommended for everyone. People who are allergic to aspirin, have a bleeding disorder, or are taking certain medications should not take aspirin without consulting their doctor.

Conclusion

While the evidence is still preliminary, studies suggest that aspirin could be an effective tool in reducing the risk of certain types of cancer. However, aspirin can cause side effects and is not recommended for everyone.

It is important to talk to your doctor before taking aspirin or any other medication.