Research: Long-term use of low-dose aspirin may reduce colon cancer risk

PHILADELPHIA — Long-term, continuous use of low-dose aspirin and nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can decrease the risk of colorectal cancer, according to research recently published in Annals of Internal Medicine and released by the American College of Physicians.

 

Researchers reviewed data on drug use, comorbid conditions and history of colonoscopy from prescription and patient registries in Northern Denmark. Based on prescriptions filled, taking 75 mg to 150 mg of aspirin continuously for five years or longer was associated with a 27% reduced risk for colorectal cancer and five or more years of continuous nonaspirin NSAID use was associated with a 30% to 45% reduction in colorectal cancer risk. Nonaspirin NSAIDS with the highest COX-2 selectivity were associated with the largest risk reductions.

 

The authors caution that patients with the highest adherence comprised only about 2% to 3% of all low-dose aspirin users in the study population, and these persons may have a risk profile for colorectal cancer that differs from that of the general population. 

 

Other lifestyle factors were not measured.

 

Colorectal cancer is the third most common non-skin cancer in the world. Colorectal neoplasms have a long progression, making colorectal cancer an obvious target for preventive interventions. Studies have suggested that regular aspirin and other NSAID use can reduce colorectal cancer risk, but a recent comprehensive review concluded that more research is needed to determine the optimal use of aspirin for cancer prevention.