By Emily Miller
Studies have shown that taking aspirin every day appears to reduce the odds of developing and dying from colon, stomach or esophageal cancer, according to HealthDay News.
Researchers have also shown that the benefits of aspirin therapy for preventing cancer outweigh the risks, as millions of people already take this inexpensive drug to prevent or treat heart disease.
According to health professionals at HealthDay, the most serious side effect associated with aspirin is gastrointestinal bleedings, as it is a blood thinner. Side effects can include internal bleeding in the digestive tract and is a symptom of a problem rather than a disease itself.
The good news is that can be easily treated or cured.
Numerous studies have been conducted throughout the past decades that have analyzed the health benefits of taking a daily dose of aspirin.
“We came to the conclusion that most people between the ages of 50 and 655 would benefit from a daily aspirin,” said lead researcher, Jack Cuzick, head of the Center for Cancer prevention at Queen, University of London in a news release.
“It looks like if everyone took a daily aspirin, there would be less cancer, and that would far outweigh any side effects,” said Cuzick.
Another study was that published in the Annals of Oncology highlighting that taking aspirin for 10 years could cut colon cancer risk by around 35 percent and deaths by 40 percent.
It can also reduce the risk of esophageal and stomach cancer by 30 percent and death from these cancers by 35 to 50 percent.
In the study, Dr. Leonard Lichtenfield addresses the issue that everyone should take a daily dose of aspirin to prevent cancer regardless of their current health condition. Like any other medication, it is advisable to speak with your regular physician before adding aspirin to your daily routine.
“The evidence suggests that low-dose aspirin (75 milligrams) is as effective as the standard dose of 300 milligrams, but there has been no direct comparison,” said Cuzick. “So people should take the low dose, but research should be done to see if the standard dose is even more effective.”
Cuzick also mentions that aspirin’s protective effect doesn’t fully kick in until it’s taken for at least five years, and probably 10 years, between the ages of 50 and 65. No benefit was seen in the first three year.
While taking aspirin daily can help prevent some forms of cancer, it is still important to schedule regular cancer screenings.
