The Zoomer Report: Daily Aspirin and Cancer Risk

Zoomer | December 27th, 2010

Here’s the latest on the benefits of aspirin. A British research team found that long-term use of a daily low-dose aspirin dramatically cuts the risk of dying from a wide array of cancers.

Researchers from John Radcliffe Hospital and the University of Oxford, unearthed evidence that a low-dose aspirin (75 milligrams) taken daily for at least five years brings about a 10 percent to 60 percent drop in fatalities depending on the type of cancer.

The finding stems from a fresh analysis of eight studies involving more than 25,500 patients, which had originally been done to examine the protective potential of a low-dose aspirin regimen on cardiovascular disease.

The same study team reported last October that a long-term regimen of low-dose aspirin appears to shave the risk of dying from colorectal cancer by a third.

The scientists stressed that these results do not mean that all adults should immediately start taking aspirin.

But they think these major new benefits that should be taken into account. According to previous guidelines the small risk of bleeding on aspirin partly offsets the benefit from prevention of strokes and heart attacks.

They believe the reductions in deaths from several common cancers will now alter this balance for many people. So talk to your doctor.

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ David Sucsy

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Libby ZnaimerAbout The Zoomer Report
Libby Znaimer, a prominent Canadian journalist specializing in business, politics, and lifestyle issues, is producer and host of The Zoomer Report, a special feature on topics of interest to baby boomers and the 50+. It covers everything from health and wealth to leisure and volunteerism, from the special vantage point of the generation that has changed society in its wake.

Ms. Znaimer is also Vice-President of News and Information for Classical 96.3FM and AM740. Her first book, “In Cancerland – Living Well Is The Best Revenge” – was published in October 2007 by Key Porter.