Aspirin is more than 100 years old and it is still capturing headlines. Research continues to reveal new uses for this ancient drug.
Aspirin Against Cancer
A number of studies have shown that aspirin can help prevent many different types of cancer. The most recent relates to a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, a disorder that increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Doctors in California looked at the records of patients in the giant HMO Kaiser Permanente. They found that those regularly taking aspirin were less likely to be diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus (Digestive Diseases and Sciences, online Sept. 12, 2014).
This is not the first time aspirin has been found to offer protection against cancer. A number of studies have found that regular aspirin users are less likely to develop or die from prostate cancer (Journal of Clinical Oncology, online, Oct. 20, 2014). Other research has shown that aspirin can lower the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. Even patients who have been diagnosed with this malignancy have a better chance of survival if they take aspirin regularly (Clinical Medical Insights Gastroenterology, July 14, 2014).
Long-term aspirin use is also associated with a lower risk of esophageal, stomach, breast, and lung cancer (Annals of Oncology, online, Aug. 5, 2014).
Cardiovascular Complications Averted by Aspirin
There are many other aspirin benefits. The best known is protection against heart attacks and strokes. One study that analyzed nine randomized controlled trials with more than 100,000 subjects found that this simple drug lowers the risk of cardiovascular complications and death (American Journal of Medicine, July, 2011).
A relatively new discovery is that aspirin can help prevent recurrent blood clots in leg veins (Circulation, online, Aug. 25, 2014). This condition, called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can become life threatening if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs.
Aspirin in Pregnancy
Another unanticipated benefit of aspirin is the prevention of a serious complication of pregnancy called pre-eclampsia. The United States Preventive Services Task Force has recommended that women at risk for developing high blood pressure during pregnancy be put on low-dose aspirin (Annals of Internal Medicine, online, Sept. 9, 2014). Of course, pregnant women should check with their obstetricians before taking any medicine, including aspirin.
So why doesn’t aspirin get more respect? Part of the problem may simply be that it is so readily available and super cheap. People sometimes use price as a way to judge value, so aspirin that costs pennies a pill seems less impressive than pricey chemoprevention such as an aromatase inhibitor like exemestane (Aromasin) or anastrozole (Arimidex) prescribed to prevent breast cancer (Annals of Pharmacotherapy, online Aug. 26, 2014).
Adverse Effects
Another drawback is side effects. Aspirin increases the risk of bleeding ulcers and bleeding strokes, potentially life-threatening complications. There are also undesirable drug interactions that can occur with aspirin.
That’s why no one should embark on a long-term aspirin regimen without medical supervision. But given the latest research against so many common cancers, aspirin may deserve serious consideration.
