{"id":1209,"date":"2023-08-15T15:35:15","date_gmt":"2023-08-15T15:35:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=1209"},"modified":"2023-09-08T14:17:14","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T14:17:14","slug":"can-aspirin-prevent-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/womens-health-medications\/can-aspirin-prevent-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Aspirin Prevent Cancer? Here&#8217;s the Latest Research"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Aspirin is a common medication used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, but recent aspirin research is exploring its use in preventing cancer.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Aspirin side effects include digestive upset and possible contribution to conditions such as Crohn\u2019s disease and ulcerative colitis.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Aspirin benefits may include cancer prevention, as research shows that prolonged use of aspirin may reduce the risk of certain cancers.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Additional cancer prevention tips include making healthy lifestyle choices and receiving routine cancer screenings.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This wonderdrug has been a go-to for headaches, toothaches, and body pain. It\u2019s been effective in reducing fevers and even preventing heart attacks. Now, it might be the weapon needed to defeat one of humanity\u2019s most formidable adversaries\u2014cancer. Here\u2019s what we know so far.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding Aspirin: Benefits and Risks<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aspirin has long served as a medicine cabinet staple. Here\u2019s what makes it a popular choice.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is Aspirin?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1217\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2.jpeg-7.jpg\" alt=\"aspirin tablets\" width=\"780\" height=\"494\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Benefits of Aspirin<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aspirin is available as an over-the-counter or prescription medication and is relatively inexpensive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Risks and Side Effects of Aspirin<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it\u2019s long been hailed as a wonderdrug, aspirin side effects should not be overlooked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019s disease or ulcerative colitis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/allergy-medications\/allergic-reactions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to aspirin are relatively common, too. Symptoms include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itching<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These symptoms usually manifest immediately after taking the aspirin. It\u2019s important not to take these symptoms lightly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aspirin and Cancer Prevention: What Does the Research Say?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aspirin is being explored as a possible preventative to some types of cancer. While more studies are needed to fully understand this relationship, there\u2019s a growing mountain of evidence that shows additional research is worthwhile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recent Studies on Aspirin and Cancer Prevention<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have studied the link between aspirin and cancer. However, data on aspirin\u2019s effects from previous studies are being examined for this very purpose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019s risk of developing cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21144578\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19410194\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5410689\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">separate study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/aacrjournals.org\/cancerpreventionresearch\/article\/15\/4\/213\/682290\/Role-of-Aspirin-in-Gastric-Cancer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">aspirin\u2019s role in gastric cancer prevention<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Results from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24687637\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a meta-analysis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on aspirin\u2019s effects on prostate cancer prevention remain inconclusive. A total of 24 observational studies showed potential in long-term aspirin use, but the studies\u2019 limitations and the lack of RCTs require further testing and observation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Findings from the Research<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019t say definitively that aspirin should be part of a cancer prevention game plan. There\u2019s still some uncertainty surrounding its potency, dosage requirements, and when to start taking an aspirin regimen to fully reap its potential cancer prevention benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s also the matter of aspirin\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research still has a lot of ground to cover. Still, these studies show there\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aspirin Dosage for Cancer Prevention: What We Know So Far<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since there\u2019s still a curtain of uncertainty about aspirin for cancer prevention, it\u2019s best to proceed with some degree of caution.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recommended Dosage from Recent Studies<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1219\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/3.jpeg-2-min.jpg\" alt=\"taking an aspirin with water\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The term \u2018<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/aspirin-81-mg-chew-tablet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low-dose aspirin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019 appeared frequently in the aforementioned studies. Low-dose refers to anywhere between 75 milligrams and 100 milligrams of aspirin taken daily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The study on aspirin and prostate cancer noted that regular-strength aspirin was used to track prostate cancer risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before starting an aspirin regimen, talk to your healthcare provider to understand any risks or rewards.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Factors to Consider When Taking Aspirin for Cancer Prevention<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The aspirin dosage for cancer prevention is still unknown. Scientists can\u2019t say with certainty how much of the drug is needed to be effective or how long it should be taken for the full effect.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aspirin risks and side effects should also be considered when choosing how often and how much aspirin to take. If you have Crohn\u2019s disease, ulcerative colitis, or other digestive issues, you may need to speak with your doctor before taking aspirin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cancer Prevention Tips Beyond Aspirin<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no silver bullet to cancer prevention. However, there are several things you can do to reduce your cancer risk without taking aspirin.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Cancer Prevention<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making healthy lifestyle choices ensures your body has the nutrients, resources, and energy to fight off cells that could become cancerous. These choices include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoiding tobacco and alcohol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brushing your teeth regularly<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating a balanced diet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staying away from fats and sugar<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintaining a healthy weight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercising regularly<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drinking plenty of water<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting a good night\u2019s sleep<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sitting less and standing more<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limiting exposure to toxins<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building healthy habits takes time. Focus on one or two goals to start, then add more as your new activities become second nature.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular Screenings for Early Detection<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of routine cancer screenings include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Annual mammograms (women starting at age 40)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colonoscopies (men and women starting at age 45)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cervical cancer screenings (women starting at age 25)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lunch cancer screenings (men and women who smoke and are 50 to 80 years old)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prostate cancer screenings (men starting at age 50)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speak to your doctor about your cancer screening options and risk factors.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find the Lowest Price on Aspirin with BidRX<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re starting an aspirin regimen, BidRX can help. Let pharmacies compete for your business so you get the lowest price possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/Home\/Contents\/medication?selectedLetter=A\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">aspirin prescription<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and place your bid today.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Can aspirin prevent cancer? Research shows promise. Here\u2019s what science can tell us so far about aspirin and its role in cancer prevention.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1286,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[53],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1209","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-womens-health-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1209","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1209"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1209\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1223,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1209\/revisions\/1223"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1286"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1209"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1209"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1209"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}