ASPIRIN IS GOOD FOR THE HEART BUT HARVARD OXFORD STUDIES SAY ASPIRIN PROTECTS AGAINST COLON AND RECTAL CANCER

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Some studies suggest that taking aspirin regularly may lower the chance of colon cancer. Aspirin has a role in preventing a heart attack. The role of aspirin for the heart is the most solid. In fact, when a doctor suspects a heart attack, many times the doctor will give an aspirin. Many people take aspirin regularly to lower the risk of heart problems.



But aspirin is being investigated for benefits beyond the heart. A study by Harvard scientists said "regular, long-term aspirin use reduces risk of colorectal (colon and rectum large intestine) cancer among men. However, the benefit of aspirin necessitates at least 6 years of consistent use. The potential hazards associated with long-term use of such doses of aspirin should be considered". The "results provide additional proof that a simple drug like aspirin can help prevent colon cancer,” said Dr. Andrew T. Chan, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard. Still, he said, “I wouldn’t recommend it to all patients, because of the side effects,” which can range from upset stomach to gastrointestinal bleeding".

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Similarly a previous Oxford University study said taking a dose of aspirin of 300mg a day for five years offered protection against colorectal cancer. "Long-term aspirin use is generally not backed because of the risk of stomach problems,(the main problem with chronic aspirin use is internal bleeding) but the team said it could benefit those at high-risk of cancer. Problems with aspirin use include stomach bleeding and ulcers, worsening asthma in some, as well as allergy.





The Harvard study of aspirin found that "After adjusting for age, smoking, diet, physical activity and other risk factors, they found that men who took more than two standard 325 mg aspirins a week reduced their risk for colon cancer by about 21 percent compared with those who took less. Men who took 6 to 14 a week reduced their risk by 28 percent, and those who took more than 14 pills a week had a 70 percent decreased risk.The longer the men took aspirin, the more they reduced risk, but taking it for less than five years, or taking the equivalent of less than one and a half pills a week, conferred no advantage".

Aspirin Dose and Duration of Use and Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Men

Aspirin Prevents Bowel Cancer.