Does Aspirin prevent Cancer?

This has been an attractive avenue of cancer prevention, as aspirin is inexpensive, and mostly safe. It is routinely and effectively used to reduce deaths from cardiac disease and strokes. Recently, several studies have been published which have strengthened the observation that a daily, low dose aspirin reduces the risk of dying from cancer from 15 to 37 %, when taken for longer periods of time. The real benefit accrues beyond the 10-year mark. The benefit has been associated with daily use, and not intermittent use, or even taking it every other day. And it has to be balanced against the potential risk of gastritis (stomach irritation), and bleeding.

The studies include observational as well as interventional studies. Patients who were taking a daily aspirin for stroke and heart attack prevention were followed. Patients who then developed cancer were identified. Compared to a placebo, aspirin reduced the spread of disease by a third.

Aspirin still needs more study as a cancer prevention agent, but it does show improvement in death rates from cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular event