Is it true that aspirin can prevent colon cancer?

In two recent studies, taking daily aspirin for three years reduced the development of polyps (abnormal growths) in the lining of the colon and rectum by 19 to 35 percent in people at high risk for colorectal cancer. Polyps in the colon and rectum can become cancer.

The people in the studies were adult men and women who had colorectal polyps or early-stage colorectal cancer that had been treated successfully with surgery.

The studies were carried out by researchers at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They were funded by the National Cancer Institute.

The research confirmed many earlier studies showing that people who take aspirin regularly have lower rates of colorectal polyps.

The new findings suggest that daily aspirin may be a helpful addition to regular colorectal cancer screening for people with polyps or a history of colorectal cancer.

However, daily aspirin therapy is not appropriate for everyone. People concerned about their colorectal cancer risk should talk with their doctor.

For more information on colorectal cancer, call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.

choose back button for more from this category, or below for CIS index