Aspirin and Cancer: How Aspirin May Reduce Cancer Risk – BBC News

The potential benefits of aspirin may extend to cancer prevention, according to research dating back to the early 1970s. A notable study from that period first suggested the drug could play a role in reducing cancer risk, opening a new avenue of investigation into its long-term health effects. Aspirin, a medication with origins tracing back thousands of years and commonly used for pain relief, has been found to inhibit the formation and spread of certain tumors throughout the body. These findings are already influencing public health policies in some regions. One individual who became involved in this research is Nick James, a British furniture maker in his mid-40s. After losing his mother to cancer and seeing his brother and several other relatives diagnosed with bowel cancer, James grew concerned about his own health. Genetic testing revealed he carries a faulty gene linked to Lynch syndrome, a condition that significantly increases the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. It is estimated that around 80 percent of people with Lynch syndrome will develop bowel cancer during their lifetime. However, James enrolled in a clinical trial designed to test whether a daily dose of over-the-counter aspirin could help protect against cancer development. As of now, he reports that things are progressing well. Even as some medical professionals and scientists support the use of aspirin for cancer patients, they caution that it is not appropriate for healthy individuals due to the risk of serious side effects. Aspirin may not be effective or safe for all types of cancer, underscoring the need for personalized medical advice.