In a pioneering study, scientists at Mass General Brigham have found that regular aspirin intake may cut the risk of colorectal cancer by as much as 40%.
According to Mail Online, a comprehensive 30-year study reveals that aspirin significantly lowers the chances of developing colorectal cancer, especially among individuals with high-risk lifestyles.
Researchers analyzed data from 107,655 participants culled from the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. These participants, who averaged 49 years old at the outset, reported their lifestyle habits including diet, physical activity, and substance use through detailed questionnaires over the decades.
Participants in the study consumed either two regular-strength aspirin per week or one low-dose daily. The findings showcased that those who regularly took aspirin were one-third less likely to develop colorectal cancer compared to non-users, after factoring in various lifestyle and dietary influences.
It emerged that the protective effects of aspirin were most pronounced in individuals living unhealthier lifestyles—characterized by smoking, obesity, and significant alcohol use. In this group, aspirin reduced the cancer risk by 38%, whereas individuals with healthier lifestyles saw a reduction of 7%.
According to study co-senior author Dr. Andrew Chan, aspirin's preventative benefits stem from its ability to inhibit polyp formation and reduce inflammation within the colon—factors that contribute to tumor growth. "Aspirin likely prevents colorectal cancer through multiple mechanisms," explained Dr. Chan.
Dr. Daniel Sikavi, the lead author of the study and a practicing gastroenterologist at Mass General Brigham, underscored the tailored benefits based on individual risk profiles. "Our results show that aspirin can significantly lower the risk, especially in those with multiple risk factors for colorectal cancer," Dr. Sikavi expressed.
The study predominantly involved white healthcare professionals, which might introduce certain biases due to a lack of racial diversity. Moreover, the reliance on self-reported lifestyle data further complicates the accuracy of these findings.
Published on Thursday in JAMA Oncology, the research emerges at a time when colorectal cancer rates are climbing among Americans under 50. This age demographic shift could potentially influence future recommendations for aspirin use as a preventative measure.
Dr. Sikavi suggests that the findings could prompt a shift in how doctors prescribe aspirin, particularly for individuals with less healthy lifestyles. "In contrast, those with a healthier lifestyle have a lower baseline risk of colorectal cancer, and therefore, their benefit from aspirin was still evident, albeit less pronounced," he noted.
This study, while groundbreaking, points to the necessity for further research, especially studies that include more diverse populations and employ methods to verify self-reported data more rigorously.
The study conducted by Mass General Brigham provides compelling evidence that aspirin, a common over-the-counter medication, may play a significant role in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. It highlights the differential benefits based on lifestyle choices, suggesting tailored approaches in preventive healthcare. As the insights from this long-term study begin to influence clinical practices, they underline the critical connection between lifestyle factors and cancer prevention, potentially guiding future public health policies and personal health decisions alike.
