Daily aspirin's benefits for women over 65 outweigh risks

A new research has revealed that daily dose of aspirin protects women over 65 against the cancer despite the dangers of internal bleeding.

The study at the University Medical Centre in the Netherlands also suggests that since younger women appear to gain no benefit, the regular use aspirin may be harmful for them, the Daily Express reported.

Although the possibility of developing serious illnesses, particularly cancer, and the risk of stomach bleeding rises with age, so too does the drug's impact on lowering the risk of bowel cancer and heart disease.

The study says that for over 65s, one case of cancer or heart disease and stroke would be prevented for every 29 aspirin users and on the other hand, blanket treatment regardless of age is ineffective or harmful in the majority of women.

Team leader Frank Visseren, said that for over 65s, aspirin only modestly lowers cardiovascular risk, while increasing the risk of major gastrointestinal bleeding, but the benefits for cancer could tip the balance in favour of aspirin in prevention.

The study is published online in the journal Heart.