Aspirin has been found to be potentially effective in preventing or treating several types of cancer, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory properties, effects on platelet activity, and ability to enhance immune surveillance. Below is a summary of cancers where aspirin has shown benefit:
## **Cancers Where Aspirin May Help in Prevention**
1. **Colorectal Cancer**
– Aspirin is most strongly associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Long-term use can lower the incidence of CRC by up to 50% and reduce precancerous polyps, particularly in individuals with Lynch syndrome, a genetic predisposition to CRC[1][4][5][9].
– High-dose aspirin (600 mg daily) has been shown to reduce CRC risk by over a third in Lynch syndrome patients[4].
2. **Gastrointestinal Cancers**
– Regular aspirin use is linked to reduced risks of esophageal, stomach, liver, pancreatic, and small intestine cancers[2][3].
3. **Breast Cancer**
– Low-dose aspirin use (81 mg) at least three times a week has been associated with a 16–20% lower risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Long-term use (10–20 years) further reduces risk significantly[6].
4. **Prostate Cancer**
– Studies suggest aspirin may reduce the risk of prostate cancer and precancerous lesions in men[1].
5. **Other Cancers**
– Evidence suggests aspirin may reduce risks for head and neck cancers, melanoma, thyroid cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and leukemia[2][7].
## **Cancers Where Aspirin May Help in Treatment**
1. **Metastatic Cancer**
– Aspirin has shown promise in reducing metastatic spread across various cancers by targeting platelet-mediated mechanisms that facilitate tumor cell dissemination[7][10].
2. **General Cancer Mortality**
– Meta-analyses indicate that low-dose aspirin use during cancer treatment is associated with a 20% reduction in cancer-related deaths and all-cause mortality[7][10].
3. **Lung Cancer**
– Aspirin may slow the spread of lung cancer by 20–30%[1].
4. **Stomach Cancer**
– Long-term aspirin use has been linked to a 31% reduction in stomach cancer mortality[1].
## **Mechanisms of Action**
– Aspirin fights chronic inflammation, which can create an environment conducive to cancer growth.
– It inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes that promote inflammation and tumor progression.
– Aspirin enhances immune surveillance by increasing immune cell infiltration into tumors and reducing metastatic spread through platelet inhibition[8][9][10].
## **Considerations and Risks**
While aspirin shows significant potential in cancer prevention and treatment, it carries risks such as gastrointestinal bleeding, especially at higher doses or with long-term use. Therefore, its use must be carefully weighed against these risks and tailored to individual patient profiles under medical supervision.
In conclusion, aspirin demonstrates substantial benefits in reducing the risk or aiding treatment for several cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, but its use should be guided by clinical recommendations to balance efficacy with safety.
Citations:
[1] https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/low-dose-aspirin-cancer-prevention.h20-1589046.html
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37966913/
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4269341/
[4] https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/aspree-aspirin-increases-advanced-cancer
[5] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/research/aspirin-cancer-risk
[6] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/aspirin-and-breast-cancer-risk-how-a-wonder-drug-may-become-more-wonderful-2020102321225
[7] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41416-023-02506-5
[8] https://newsroom.wiley.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2024/How-does-aspirin-help-prevent-colorectal-cancer-development-and-progression/default.aspx
[9] https://www.cancercenter.com/community/blog/2024/05/aspirin-and-cancer
[10] https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/2782804-aspirin-and-treating-cancer