Low-dose aspirin prevents cancer and reduces the risk of metastasis, according to The Lancet.
Three new studies show once again the anti-cancer effects of aspirin. Contrary to previous analyzes, which indicated the protective effect of aspirin only after 10 years of taking it, prof. Peter Rothwell from Oxford University (Great Britain) showed that such an effect can occur after three or five years. This is the analysis of 51 studies involving over 77 patients. Moreover, aspirin appears to prevent tumor metastasis.
A small (75 to 300 milligrams) daily dose of the drug reduced the number of cancer cases by about a quarter after just three years. In turn, the risk of dying from cancer fell by 15% within five years. Continued intake of aspirin and a higher dose reduced the risk of dying from cancer by up to 37%. In colorectal cancer, the risk of metastasis was even halved.
At the same time, the risk of stroke and infarction decreased, and although the risk of major bleeding increased, it was significant only in the first years of aspirin prophylaxis.
Many people have long taken a low dose of aspirin as a medicine to prevent heart disease. However, experts warn that it carries the risk of serious side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding.