Aspirin May Reduce Risk Of Death From Colon Cancer

We all know that aspirin is used to treat pain and fever, arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. It is used for its blood thinning properties to reduce stroke also. The newest use for it is in the treatment of colorectal cancer along with surgery and chemotherapy.

It has been found aspirin reduces chances of dying from colorectal cancer a Harvard study has proven. Aspirin has now been proven to reduce mortality in those who already have the cancer. It is able to do this because it blocks the COX-2 enzyme that encourages inflamed cells to multiply. The researchers said that cancer deaths were reduced greatly in those who took the aspirin after their cancer was diagnosed.

In studies of approximately 700 people those wo had not used aspirin before diagnosis and then took it when they were diagnosed had a 47 percent lower chance of dying from the cancer while it also lowered their risk of dying prematurely from other causes by 32 percent. While the five year survival rate for colon cancer is only about 79 percent for the averge person the rate jumpst to 88 percent for people who used aspirin. The ten year rate also averaged about 15 percent longer for users of the aspirin.

Doctors and researched are saying that more study is needed along with a randomized study where volunteers take either and aspirin or a placebo. A study based in Singapore is due to start soon.

Doctors and researchers stop short of recommending it be used to prevent colorectal cancer. Aspirin does have some side effects that can be dangerous such as gastrointestinal bleeding. Dr. Chan of Harvard Medical School stated that it is exciting that a cheap commonly used medication may benefit a group of patients who are worried about having the cancer recur.

Aspirin is used to prevent heart attack, some forms of stroke and is growing in its use in prevention of dementia. Remember though; never take aspirin on a regular basis without your doctor’s permission.