Known painkillers could reduce risk of colon cancer
Acetylsalicylic acid is a common remedy used primarily for fever and pain. However, it has now been shown that the active ingredient can also prevent colon cancer in a specific group of people. Nevertheless, doctors advise against preventive use.
Acetylsalicylic acid, or ASS, found in over-the-counter pain reliever Aspirin, could lower the risk of colon cancer. This was discovered by a research team from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. The effect was particularly pronounced in those with an unhealthy lifestyle, according to the researchers, whose results were published in the journal "JAMA Oncology".
For the study, the researchers used health data from over 106,000 people collected over a 30-year period. The average age of the participants at the start of data collection was 49.4 years.
The data analysis showed that in people with the unhealthiest lifestyle who regularly took ASS, the risk of colon cancer was reduced by over 30% compared to those who did not take ASS. To better illustrate the results, the researchers calculated what this means for different groups: Treating 78 patients with Aspirin in the least healthy group would prevent one case of colon cancer over a 10-year period. In the healthiest group, 909 patients would need to be treated to prevent one case.
Risk factors for colon cancer
Factors such as body mass index, regular nicotine and alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and an unbalanced diet were considered an unhealthy lifestyle. All these lifestyle factors are associated with the development of colon cancer. Regular ASS use was defined as either two or more standard-dose (325 mg) tablets per week or one low-dose (81 mg) ASS daily.
"Our results show that Aspirin can proportionally reduce the significantly increased risk in people with multiple risk factors for colon cancer," said Daniel Sikavi, a gastroenterologist at Mass General Brigham involved in the study, according to a hospital statement. "In contrast, people with a healthier lifestyle have a lower basic risk of colon cancer. Therefore, the benefit of Aspirin was also evident in this group, although less pronounced."
"This is evidence that we have a way to reverse some of these lifestyle risk factors using a cheap, easy-to-use, and well-established medication like Aspirin," summarized Andrew Chan, who was also involved in the study. However, the research team cannot explain how this effect occurs. It is possible that Aspirin prevents colon cancer through multiple mechanisms, said Chan.
Despite this, the researchers warn against taking ASS regularly without consulting a doctor, as it can also cause significant side effects. Long-term use can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
In light of the study's findings, individuals with an unhealthy lifestyle who regularly take Aspirin may significantly reduce their risk of colon cancer by over 30%. Conversely, Daniel Sikavi, a gastroenterologist, stated that while Aspirin can reduce the increased risk of colon cancer in people with multiple risk factors, it may not be as beneficial for individuals with a healthier lifestyle due to their lower inherent risk.
