Aspirin Curtails Cancer Risk

A number of previous studies suggest that aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may help protect against colorectal cancer.  Soren Friis, from the Danish Cancer Society Research Center (Denmark), and colleagues analyzed data collected on over 113,000 Danish men and women, a subset of which had first-time colorectal cancer.  The team found that the subjects who took low-dose aspirin continuously for at least five years were at 27% reduced risk of colorectal cancer; and those using nonaspirin NSAIDs for at least five years were at 30% reduced risk. The study authors write that: “Long-term, continuous use of low-dose aspirin and long-term use of nonaspirin NSAIDs were associated with reduced colorectal cancer risk.”