Aspirin is one of the most widely used medications for treating pain, inflammation, fever, and preventing blood clots. However, recent studies suggest that regular aspirin intake may also reduce the risk of cancer death.

This article explores the link between aspirin and cancer, its effects on cancer cells, and the risks and benefits of taking aspirin for cancer prevention and treatment.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth and proliferation, which can invade and spread to other parts of the body.

Cancer can occur in any tissue or organ, and it can cause various symptoms, such as pain, inflammation, fever, fatigue, and weight loss. Cancer can also be deadly, causing millions of deaths every year worldwide. The primary types of cancer are:.

Lung cancer
Breast cancer
Colorectal cancer
Prostate cancer
Skin cancer
Stomach cancer
Leukemia

How Does Aspirin Affect Cancer Cells?

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are involved in inflammation and pain.

Prostaglandins play a crucial role in cancer development and progression, as they can promote tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. By reducing the production of prostaglandins, aspirin can prevent or slow down cancer cell growth and spread.

Aspirin can also induce cancer cell death or apoptosis, by activating the p53 tumor suppressor gene and increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage cancer cell DNA and mitochondria.

Aspirin can also inhibit the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes involved in inflammation and cancer. By blocking NF-kB, aspirin can reduce inflammation and prevent cancer development.

What Does the Research Say About Aspirin and Cancer Death Risk?

The link between aspirin and cancer risk reduction has been studied for many years, and the evidence is growing.

In 2018, a meta-analysis of 118 randomized trials with a total of 164,225 participants showed that aspirin use was associated with a 22% reduction in the incidence of cancer and a 29% reduction in cancer death. The risk reduction was more significant for gastrointestinal tract cancers, such as colorectal, esophageal, and gastric cancers.

For example, in a study of 51,500 women, those who took aspirin regularly had a 20% lower risk of colon cancer than those who did not take aspirin. In another study of 3,000 patients with prostate cancer, those who took aspirin regularly had a 39% lower risk of metastasis and a 23% lower risk of death than those who did not take aspirin.

However, the benefits of aspirin for cancer prevention and treatment should be weighed against the risks of adverse effects, such as bleeding, ulcers, kidney damage, and allergic reactions.

In addition, aspirin should not be taken by people who are allergic to aspirin, have bleeding disorders, peptic ulcers, or kidney disease, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. The optimal dosage and duration of aspirin use for cancer prevention and treatment are still under investigation and may vary depending on the individual’s age, sex, cancer type, and medical history.

Conclusion

The impact of regular aspirin intake on cancer death risk is a promising area of research that offers new insights into the role of inflammation in cancer development and progression.

Aspirin may act as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent, by reducing the incidence and mortality of cancer and improving cancer outcomes. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal dosing, duration, and safety of aspirin use for cancer prevention and treatment.

In the meantime, people who are interested in taking aspirin for cancer prevention should consult their doctor and weigh the potential benefits and risks based on their individual health status.