Colon Cancer: Low-Dose Aspirin For Prevention

New research found taking low-dose aspirin reduced the risk of colorectal cancer. In the Scottish study--published in the prestigious American peer-reviewed journal, Gut--5,186 people (half of whom had colon cancer) answered questions about their lifestyle habits. Participants who reported taking low-dose aspirin (75 milligrams) for a year or more were 22% less likely to have colorectal cancer. The reduction was even more clinically significant for those who reported taking low-dose aspirin for more than 5 years: They were 30% less likely to have colorectal cancer.

Prior research has shown taking higher doses of aspirin reduces the risk of colon cancer. But this study is among the first to show that lower doses -- which have less risk of side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding -- may also be effective, Eric Jacobs, strategic director of pharmacoepidemiology for the American Cancer Society explained to Medline Plus, the consumer website for the National Library of Medicine. In the study, a weaker colon-cancer-prevention effect was also noted for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as Advil, Aleve and Motrin. However, NSAIDS carry a higher risk of causing stomach ulcers than aspirin.

Dr. Merrell's Take: "People at high risk for colon cancer (for example, if both parents have had it) should talk to their doctor about taking low-dose aspirin."