Aspirin has long been popular as an OTC drug that can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. But recent research also suggest that regular intake of Aspirin can also help in decrease risk of certain types of cancer.
Although there have been many studies regarding the effectiveness of Aspirin in the reducing cancer mortality, this research was further boosted by 8 clinical trials which tracked the regular use of Aspirin and what its effects were. The results were published in The Lancet on December 6th online. The results clearly showed a drop in mortality due to cancer upon regular intake of Aspirin.
However, there have been discrepancies about the results since none of the trials in the meta-analysis were formulated solely for assessing aspirin use and reduction of cancer mortality. Although many studies and clinical trial support the concept that Aspirin as well as other Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) assist in the reduction of cancer risk and mortality, there are many other studies that refute this theory.
Even though it would be welcome news to know that the cheap Aspirin pills can be effective against cancer mortality, at the moment there is a lack of conclusive evidence suggesting its effectiveness.
Stanford Study
Recently a new study was carried out by Stanford University to judge Aspirin’s role in lowering the risk of melanoma – a type of skin cancer. The study was able to find substantial association between aspirin and melanoma. Its regular users were found to be at a decreased risk of developing melanoma.
According to researchers, inflammation is a major factor in cancer development and on the other hand, Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug. Thus in some kinds of cancer, Aspirin can be effective in prevention. Aspirin is also said to promote tumor cell death such as that of melanoma cells.
The Stanford research examined data of 60,000 women between the age group of 50 to 79 years. They reported their personal information for nearly 12 years. The group predominantly consisted of Caucasian women because women with less skin pigment were at a higher risk of developing melanoma. Also, 95% of cutaneous melanoma is found in Caucasian women. Study authors divided the women in groups depending on whether they had an intake of Aspirin or any other NSAID’s.
During the course of study ,548 women were identified with melanoma. Furthermore those women who took aspirin had 21% lower risk of developing melanoma. It was found that the more the intake, better the protection. In a year, the risk of developing melanoma was cut by 11% whereas intake for more than 2 years cut the risk by 22%. Those who took it for 5 years lowered their risk by 30%. The results were not affected by one group from the other or from lighter to darker skin.
Women who took other NSAID’s such as naproxen or ibuprofane were not protected in a similar fashion.
Be advised that aspirin intake is associated with side effects such as stomach ache and stomach bleeding. It is also responsible for inhibition of platelets which are responsible for clotting. Many scientists are of the opinion that it is this quality that causes the prevention of tumor growth.
Limitations and Apprehensions
Most of the hesitation from doctors regarding the effectiveness of this drug is due to lack of accurate information accumulated from improperly designed randomized clinical trials that are specifically concentrated on cancer outcome.
Despite the results of the Stanford study, researchers are not completely convinced and mention the need for a long trial that clearly establishes facts. The use of aspirin has both benefits as well as risks, thus a person should make careful choices while keeping in mind the doctor’s advice.
Author Bio: Michelle Tyler is a medical writer who writes well-researched, in-depth cancer articles which help patients understand the latest treatment options that are available to them and provide relevant information to help patients combat the deadly disease. Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) has been a pioneer in providing best cancer treatment as well as follow up to patients suffering from various cancer types.
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