A recent study found that regular use may considerably lower the risk of aspirin colorectal cancer. According to the findings, those who lead unhealthy lifestyles appear to gain the most from taking this preventative action.
Colorectal Cancer: An International Issue
Colorectal cancer is predicted to be the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide in 2023 with 52,500 deaths expected to occur in the United States alone. In 2023, it was projected that 153,020 Americans would have been affected by the illness. Those under the age of 55, whose frequency has more than doubled over the preceding ten years, accounted for a notable increase in cases now it can be prevented by aspirin colorectal cancer.
Lifestyle Factors and Colorectal Cancer Risk
The risk of colorectal cancer is influenced by both genetic and lifestyle factors. Risk factors include alcohol intake, smoking, unhealthy diets, low physical activity, and high body mass index (BMI).
Aspirin’s Role in Cancer Prevention
Medical practitioners have long recommended low-dose aspirin as a way to reduce the risk of colon cancer. However, the US Preventive Services Task Force changed its 2016 recommendation in 2022 because of concerns about potential bleeding and gastrointestinal issues related to aspirin use.
Study Insights on Aspirin and Colorectal Cancer
A recent study that looked at whether some people could benefit from taking aspirin on a regular basis even if there are dangers involved was published in JAMA Oncology. Data from more than 107,655 participants in the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study were evaluated by researchers. Because most of the participants in the study were White, the authors suggest conducting the research again with more diverse populations.
The lifestyle behaviors of the participants were surveyed and monitored for a minimum of 10 years, including their BMI, food, exercise, smoking, and amount of alcohol consumed. Regular aspirin use was defined as taking two or more regular-strength aspirin or six or more low-dose aspirin per week. The study found that aspirin users had an 18% decreased incidence of colorectal cancer compared to nonusers. People with unhealthy habits, notably those who smoked or had a BMI over 25, benefited the most from this.
Expert Opinions
Lead author and Mass General Brigham gastroenterologist Dr. Daniel Sikavi explained that aspirin reduced higher risk in people with several risk factors for colorectal cancer proportionately. On the other hand, those who led healthier lives were at a lower baseline risk, thus the aspirin effect was not as strong for them.
While the study’s findings align with previous research on aspirin’s benefits, disparate recommendations have been made based on contradictory findings from previous studies. Dr. Christina Annunziata of the American Cancer Society emphasized that additional research is needed because the study has limitations due to its non-randomized clinical trial design. Still, the study reminds us that altering one’s lifestyle can lower one’s risk of cancer.
Dr. Raymond DuBois, a past president of the American Association for Cancer Research, noted that the study convincingly demonstrates aspirin’s benefits for the unhealthiest participants. He highlighted that taking just two regular aspirin per week might alleviate concerns about bleeding risks.
There are hazards involved with using aspirin, despite its affordability and widespread availability, according to Dr. Jennifer Davids, chief of colon and rectal surgery at Boston Medical Center. She emphasized that individuals should still focus on maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, giving up smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, and seeing their doctors before starting aspirin use on a regular basis.
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