By Emily Miller
According to a recent study by the National Cancer Institute (NIH), women who take aspirin daily may reduce their risk of ovarian cancer by 20 percent. However, further research is needed before clinical recommendations can be made.
It is estimated that over 20,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2014, and more than 14,000 will die from the disease. Fortunately, early stages of ovarian cancer may be successfully treated.
However, symptoms associated with this disease can mimic more common conditions – such as digestive and bladder disorders – so for this reason and others, it is often not diagnosed united it has reached advanced stages. The most common symptoms are lower abdomen pain and feeling bloated.
Like most types of cancers, late stage identification leaves women with limited treatment options. This makes preventive strategies extremely important for controlling this disease.
In previous studies, it has been suggested that the use of non-aspirin (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and aspirin – which have anti-inflammatory properties – may reduce overall cancer risk.
In one of their most recent studies, the NIH wanted to explore a connection between anti-inflammatory drugs and the risk of ovarian cancer since it has been ambiguous in the past.
In an attempt to reach a conclusion, the researchers analyzed data from 12 large studies that were a part of the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium. They discovered that participated who reported using a daily dose of aspirin saw a 20 percent lower risk of ovarian cancer than those who used aspirin less than once per week.
In fact, depending on the frequency and dose of aspirin use, the researchers say the drug could reduce ovarian cancer risk by to 34%.
The researchers said that although the findings suggest that the use of aspirin could prevent ovarian cancer, individuals should continue to follow the guidelines of their doctors when it comes to aspirin use. Treat this over-the-counter medication like any other drug and contact your physician before using it.
Reducing your risk of cancer (i.e., ovarian cancer) could also improve your life and health insurance premium.
