Humble aspirin reduces cancer death rates

By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MDDec 7 2010

A new study has shown aspirin cuts down the death rates from a range of cancers. The study reviewed data from eight previous trials involving more than 25,000 patients found that those who took just 75mg of aspirin a day (one-eighth of a normal dose) could reduce their death rates from cancer by 21% with benefits continuing long after patients stopped taking the pill.

These results came up after studies last year showing aspirin could cut deaths from colorectal cancer by one-third. Now it seems that the benefit extends to other cancers as well over periods as long as 20 years. After 20 years, the overall risk of having died from cancer was 20 per cent lower in those who had taken aspirin for an average of four to eight years. The studies show that the risk was 40 per cent lower for colorectal cancer, 58 per cent lower for oesophageal cancer and 30 per cent lower for lung cancer, although in the latter two cases these improvements were mainly confined to non-smokers. There was a 19 per cent lower risk of death from pancreatic cancer and 31 per cent lower risk for stomach cancer seen from smaller studies.

The review was released online yesterday by The Lancet medical journal adds that the results “do not mean that all adults should immediately start taking aspirin, but they do demonstrate major new benefits” from the drug. Although regular intake of aspirin has been linked to stomach bleeding in some patients, this study shows that overall risk of death from any cause including cancer, heart disease or potential fatal stomach bleeds, was 10 per cent lower in patients who did take aspirin daily for five to 10 years.

Cancer Council Australia chief executive Ian Olver said these findings were “very important” but more research was necessary to find the appropriate dose, duration and timing. He added, “This is a really interesting study showing something that is cheap and easily available can have a profound effect.” The lead author, Professor Peter Rothwell, of Oxford University, said, “I have been taking aspirin for several years. I personally believe this.”