Prevent Colon Cancer with Aspirin

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the US. In fact, colorectal cancer has been designated as the third most common form of cancer in both men and women, and has also been found to be the 2nd and the 3rd leading cause of deaths caused by cancers in men and women, respectively. According to a study conducted by Jenal et al n 2006, it was estimated that about 149,000 new cases of colorectal cancer were recorded and about 51,000 deaths resulted from this disease. Several methods can be used to treat colorectal cancer but it’s been proven that it is possible to prevent colorectal cancer with aspirin.

The role of Aspirin in the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer

Several studies and researches have been carried out to investigate how to prevent colorectal cancer with aspirin. Aspirin is a member of a group of drugs referred to as Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Aspirin is actually the trade name for acetylsalicylic acid, which is the most commonly used drug for treating inflammation, fever, and pain. Aspirin is synthesized from salicylic acid, an agent found in the bark of the willow tree, and also in parts of several other plants. Aspirin works by interfering with the body’s production of prostaglandins. Often called a wonder drug, aspirin has been shown in studies to have preventive effects against colon cancer, and other diseases and conditions.

Evidence for the Effect of Aspirin in Lowering the Risk of Colorectal Cancer

According to a research report in the Journal of American Medical Association, it is possible to prevent colorectal cancer with aspirin and people who take aspirin and other NSAIDs to relieve pain actually end up lowering their risk of developing colorectal cancer. According to Dr. Andrew Chan, the team’s head who also serves as a medical instructor at Harvard Medical School and is also a staff doctor at Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital, the regular long-term use of aspirin actually reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. The study found out that long term use of aspirin and other NSAIDs reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by as much as 53 %. The level of risk reduction depended on the weekly dose, and the number of years of medication.

Associated Risks with the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer Using Aspirin

While low daily doses of aspirin have been shown to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, there’s a need to apply caution. This is because of the associated risks with the use of aspirin. These risks need to be weighed against how it is possible to prevent colorectal cancer with aspirin. Aspirin causes some level of gastrointestinal bleeding, and this can result in iron deficiency or gastric ulcers with prolonged use. However, these complications can be avoided by using enteric coated aspirin, which doesn’t dissolve until it reaches the intestines. Colon cleansing is another well documented method of preventing colorectal cancer, and relevant information can be found in other sections of this website.