Aspirin could be added to the arsenal of medicines for cancer treatment

We all have a bottle or two of aspirin in our bathrooms.  We use it for aches and pains, however, new research shows that the lowly aspirin may help with cancer.

In a research study in 2020, daily, low-dose aspirin was found to have positive effects, with a 21% reduction in mortality for any reason.   We have usually frowned on the use of daily aspirin due to the side-effects of gastrointestinal bleeding and macular degeneration.  However, these statistics are worth considering if you have cancer, or cancer runs in your family.

  • Aspirin can stop/reduce cancer spread. This is one of the dreaded outcomes of cancer: it spreads!  It stops the proliferation of cancer cells and inflammation.  One review of metadata showed a reduction of metastases by 38-52%.  This is good news for anyone who is facing cancer.
  • Daily low-dose aspirin can repair DNA
  • Daily aspirin can reduce the risks of these cancers
    • Colorectal cancer—27%
    • Squamous cell esophageal cancer—33%
    • Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus—39%
    • Stomach cancer—36%
    • Hepatobiliatry tract 38%
    • Pancreatic cancer—22%

Low dose daily aspirin may not be for you if you have any lung disease, clotting issues, stomach ulcers, heavy menstrual bleeding, or have had a recent stroke.    There ARE risks, but there are also substantial benefits.

 

Until next time,

 

Dr. Polly