Regular use of aspirin, NSAID's may reduce risk of colon cancer

A new study has revealed that regular use of aspirin and other Nonaspirin Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) could reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

In the study, researchers reviewed data on drug use, comorbid conditions, and history of colonoscopy from prescription and patient registries.

Based on the prescriptions filled, taking 75 to 150 mg of aspirin continuously for five years or longer was associated with a 27 percent reduced risk for colorectal cancer and five or more years of continuous nonaspirin NSAID use was associated with a 30 to 45 percent reduction in colorectal cancer risk.

The authors caution that patients with the highest adherence comprised only about 2 to 3 percent of all low-dose aspirin users in the study population, and these persons may have a risk profile for colorectal cancer that differs from that of the general population.

However, a recent comprehensive review concluded that more research is needed to determine the optimal use of aspirin for cancer prevention.

The study is published in the Journal Annals of Internal Medicine.