Aspirin can reduce colon cancer risk - study

Aspirin can help reduce your chances of getting colon cancer, according to a new study.

Researchers at Harvard have revealed swallowing two tablets a day over a long period could reduce your risk of colonic cancer by just under a third.

However, the study was quick to point out that they would not recommend this treatment to every patient as it can cause discomfort and even bleeding in the stomach.

The Harvard study, carried out on 47, 000 men for 18 years, found that men who took more than two tablets a week had reduced their risk by 21 per cent compared with those who took less.

Men who took six to 14 tablets a week reduced their risk by 28%, while those who took more than 14 had a staggering 70% decreased risk.

Taking it for less than five years or less than two tablets a week, however, had little effect.

Dr. Andrew T. Chan said: “The results provide additional proof that a simple drug like aspirin can help prevent colon cancer.

“Still, I would not recommend it to all our patients, because of the side effects.”

It is not the first study to reveal a link between aspirin and a drop in cancer risk.

Source: National Cancer Institute