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An
aspirin a day may keep colon cancer away
Mar. 6, 2003, LEBANON, NH -- A
seven-year study led by Dartmouth Medical School researchers shows that a
daily dose of aspirin can be effective in reducing the risk of colon
adenomas – benign tumors that can develop into cancer if left in the bowel.
The
study, conducted jointly by doctors and researchers from Norris Cotton
Cancer Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, and at
several other institutions across North America, confirms indications from
non-randomized studies that low-dose aspirin may protect against cancers of
the colon and rectum.
The final results of the study were published in the
March 6, 2003 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Dr.
John Baron was lead author of the article, and co-author of another report
in the NEJM that also found that aspirin protected against adenomas of the
colon and rectum.
He noted that the findings of the two studies show that
low doses of aspirin do protect against the pre-cancerous polyps, and so
there is good reason to believe aspirin probably reduces rates of colorectal
cancer itself.
This will be particularly valuable for people who are at
increased risk for cancer because they have had colon adenomas (polyps) or
because they have previously been treated for colorectal cancer.
The
randomized, double-blind study, conducted between 1994 and 2001, looked at
over 1100 patients with previously diagnosed colorectal adenomas.
Some
patients received aspirin – either 81 mg or 325 mg – while others received a
placebo. Interestingly, the group receiving the smaller dose of aspirin –
81-mg, or the equivalent of one baby aspirin – showed a lower incidence of
recurring polyps than did those treated with the larger dose of aspirin –
325 mg or the equivalent of a standard adult aspirin.
Overall, those treated with a daily dose of baby aspirin found their risk of
polyps reduced 19 percent and their risk of advanced lesions reduced by more
than 40 percent.
The
companion study, conducted among patients with a history of cancer of the
colon or rectum, tested a regular aspirin tablet (325 mg) against placebo.
It showed even larger reductions in the occurrence of adenoma – about a 35%
reduction.
Although aspirin is generally a safe drug, Baron noted that it can have
adverse effects for some individuals. Before people embark on a daily
aspirin regimen, they should check with their doctor, he said. And, he
stressed that just taking aspirin is not enough to assure freedom from colon
cancer.
"Aspirin is not a magic bullet. Although the incidence was reduced, all the
polyps didn't go away in our study. Regular screenings, perhaps including
colonoscopies, are still important.
