Previous studies have shown that regular aspirin use can lower the likelihood of being diagnosed with colon, breast or prostate cancer. Now a ten-year study of more than 300,000 individuals between 50 and 71 at the outset has demonstrated that aspirin use is associated with less liver cancer and even death from liver disease.
People who took non-aspirin anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen had a one-third lower likelihood of liver cancer, but were just as likely as people not taking pain relievers to die from liver disease. Those taking aspirin, on the other hand, had a 37 percent lower risk of liver cancer and cut their risk of dying from liver disease in half. The investigators adjusted for known risk factors such as alcohol use, smoking and fat burden, but the association was still significant.
The researchers caution that it is premature to start taking aspirin in the hope of protecting the liver. Aspirin is known to have the potential to cause gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding, including bleeding ulcers. Those who need relief from chronic pain, however, might ask their physicians if aspirin would be a good choice.
[Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Nov. 28, 2012]
