Highlights
- Aspirin is a common medication used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, but recent aspirin research is exploring its use in preventing cancer.
- Aspirin side effects include digestive upset and possible contribution to conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Aspirin benefits may include cancer prevention, as research shows that prolonged use of aspirin may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
- Additional cancer prevention tips include making healthy lifestyle choices and receiving routine cancer screenings.
Could something as simple and common as aspirin be the key to a cancer-free life? Some of the recent aspirin research points to yes, at least for certain types of cancer.
This wonderdrug has been a go-to for headaches, toothaches, and body pain. It’s been effective in reducing fevers and even preventing heart attacks. Now, it might be the weapon needed to defeat one of humanity’s most formidable adversaries—cancer. Here’s what we know so far.
Understanding Aspirin: Benefits and Risks
Aspirin has long served as a medicine cabinet staple. Here’s what makes it a popular choice.
What Is Aspirin?
Also known as acetylsalicytic acid, aspirin is a common household drug known for its pain-relieving properties. It belongs to a group of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but its unique properties set it apart from other NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
The Benefits of Aspirin
Aspirin benefits have long been known by the scientific community. One interesting aspect of aspirin is its ability to inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances involved in inflammation, fever, and pain signals. By blocking certain enzymes responsible for producing prostaglandins, aspirin is highly effective in reducing pain, fever, and swelling.
Aspirin has also been shown to reduce blood clot formation, making it an effective preventative for heart attack and stroke. Many healthcare providers prescribe a daily low dose of aspirin to patients at risk for these events.
Aspirin is available as an over-the-counter or prescription medication and is relatively inexpensive.
The Risks and Side Effects of Aspirin
While it’s long been hailed as a wonderdrug, aspirin side effects should not be overlooked.
For starters, the drug may irritate the digestive system, possibly leading to gastric ulcers or bleeding. Prolonged use of aspirin may increase these risks and contribute to conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Allergies to aspirin are relatively common, too. Symptoms include:
- Hives
- Rash
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling
- Itching
These symptoms usually manifest immediately after taking the aspirin. It’s important not to take these symptoms lightly.
Aspirin and Cancer Prevention: What Does the Research Say?
Aspirin is being explored as a possible preventative to some types of cancer. While more studies are needed to fully understand this relationship, there’s a growing mountain of evidence that shows additional research is worthwhile.
Recent Studies on Aspirin and Cancer Prevention
Few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have studied the link between aspirin and cancer. However, data on aspirin’s effects from previous studies are being examined for this very purpose.
For example, aspirin is a well-known anti-inflammatory drug. Inflammation creates an environment where cancer thrives, so it sounds logical that taking aspirin to reduce inflammation can also reduce one’s risk of developing cancer.
One study sought to examine the relationship between aspirin and the long-term risk of cancer-related death. In eight trials, the use of aspirin reduced the number of cancer-related deaths as well as the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Another study found that aspirin exhibits a chemopreventative effect on colorectal cancer and possibly other cancers. Data on the risk-benefit profile of using aspirin for cancer prevention was insufficient in this study, but it was noted that colorectal, breast, prostate, lung, stomach, and oesophageal cancers were of the most interest in relation to an aspirin regimen.
A separate study linked the use of aspirin to a lower risk of developing breast cancer. The study followed more than 57,000 women; after eight years, researchers estimated that taking low-dose aspirin at least three times per week resulted in a 16% lower risk. This reduction became even greater over time, with up to a 46% reduced risk after 20 years of aspirin use.
Studies on aspirin’s role in gastric cancer prevention also show promise. Preclinical studies, observations, and RCTs have all shown a reduction in cancer and cancer-related deaths. However, one study found that aspirin did not prove effective as a cancer preventative for individuals ages 65 or older.
Results from a meta-analysis on aspirin’s effects on prostate cancer prevention remain inconclusive. A total of 24 observational studies showed potential in long-term aspirin use, but the studies’ limitations and the lack of RCTs require further testing and observation.
Key Findings from the Research
A common ingredient between the above studies is the evidence that aspirin may have some effect on cancer prevention with long-term use. Scientists still can’t say definitively that aspirin should be part of a cancer prevention game plan. There’s still some uncertainty surrounding its potency, dosage requirements, and when to start taking an aspirin regimen to fully reap its potential cancer prevention benefits.
There’s also the matter of aspirin’s known long-term effects on the digestive system. Until scientists can better grasp the cost-benefit analysis of long-term aspirin use, healthcare providers might hold off on recommending it to their patients.
Research still has a lot of ground to cover. Still, these studies show there’s still great interest in finding the link between aspirin use and cancer prevention, especially if the answer to better health has been hiding in the medicine cabinet all along.
Aspirin Dosage for Cancer Prevention: What We Know So Far
Since there’s still a curtain of uncertainty about aspirin for cancer prevention, it’s best to proceed with some degree of caution.
Recommended Dosage from Recent Studies
The term ‘low-dose aspirin’ appeared frequently in the aforementioned studies. Low-dose refers to anywhere between 75 milligrams and 100 milligrams of aspirin taken daily.
The study on aspirin and prostate cancer noted that regular-strength aspirin was used to track prostate cancer risk.
Before starting an aspirin regimen, talk to your healthcare provider to understand any risks or rewards.
Factors to Consider When Taking Aspirin for Cancer Prevention
The aspirin dosage for cancer prevention is still unknown. Scientists can’t say with certainty how much of the drug is needed to be effective or how long it should be taken for the full effect.
Aspirin risks and side effects should also be considered when choosing how often and how much aspirin to take. If you have Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or other digestive issues, you may need to speak with your doctor before taking aspirin.
Cancer Prevention Tips Beyond Aspirin
There is no silver bullet to cancer prevention. However, there are several things you can do to reduce your cancer risk without taking aspirin.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Cancer Prevention
Making healthy lifestyle choices ensures your body has the nutrients, resources, and energy to fight off cells that could become cancerous. These choices include:
- Avoiding tobacco and alcohol
- Brushing your teeth regularly
- Eating a balanced diet
- Staying away from fats and sugar
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Drinking plenty of water
- Getting a good night’s sleep
- Sitting less and standing more
- Limiting exposure to toxins
Building healthy habits takes time. Focus on one or two goals to start, then add more as your new activities become second nature.
Regular Screenings for Early Detection
Routine cancer screenings are key to early detection. The sooner you detect an issue, the sooner you can start treating it and preserve your quality of life.
Examples of routine cancer screenings include:
- Annual mammograms (women starting at age 40)
- Colonoscopies (men and women starting at age 45)
- Cervical cancer screenings (women starting at age 25)
- Lunch cancer screenings (men and women who smoke and are 50 to 80 years old)
- Prostate cancer screenings (men starting at age 50)
Speak to your doctor about your cancer screening options and risk factors.
Find the Lowest Price on Aspirin with BidRX
If you’re starting an aspirin regimen, BidRX can help. Let pharmacies compete for your business so you get the lowest price possible.
Find your aspirin prescription and place your bid today.
