Italian scientists have confirmed that aspirin reduces the risk of certain types of cancer of the digestive system, including those that are almost always incurable and fatal, such as liver or pancreatic cancer. An article by the researchers, which describes an effective way to prevent tumors, was published in the journal Annals of Oncology.
Experts analyzed 113 scientific papers devoted to the study of cancer, including 45 papers dealing with 156 thousand cases of bowel cancer. Cancers of the head and neck, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas have also been investigated.
It turned out that regular use of aspirin, one or two tablets per week, was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing all types of cancer considered, excluding head and neck cancer. The likelihood of developing bowel cancer decreased by 27 percent, esophageal cancer by 33 percent, stomach cancer by 36 percent, and pancreatic cancer by 22 percent.
The researchers also found that the dose of aspirin was inversely related to the risk of bowel cancer. Consuming 100 milligrams (mg), 325 mg, and 500 mg of aspirin per day is associated with a 10 percent, 35 percent, and 50 percent reduction in disease risk, respectively. However, the effects of high doses of the drug should be interpreted with great caution, as the estimates were based on only a few studies. In addition, when choosing a dose, one should take into account the fact that aspirin can cause bleeding in the stomach and other organs. It should only be taken after consulting a doctor.