Scientists claim aspirin can block an enzyme that helps tumors form when taken once or twice a week, according to a study's findings published by the Daily Mail.
A team of scientists from the Milan University in Italy discovered taking aspirin regularly reduces the risk of getting stomach, oesophageal, bowel, liver, bile duct, gall bladder, pancreatic cancer.
Regular intake is key against tumor formation
In a study posted on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), aspirin intake "showed a significantly lower risk in developing colon cancer in patients with regular aspirin use than non-users which indicates the possibility of the association between aspirin and malignant tumors."
NCBI also revealed that patients who improved from their cancer took aspirin. It stated there was "a significant decrease of cancer risk was stated, and the antitumor effect of aspirin was positively correlated to the duration of drug use."
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For patients with oesophageal cancer, individuals who took aspirin regularly had a lower risk of getting such cancer. Aspirin also increased the survival rate of patients who already have oesophageal cancer. It could even become an adjuvant, a substance that enhances medicine used in other cancer treatments, the study added.
Taking aspirin has risks, such as stomach irritation, bleeding, and ulcer. However, the National Health Service says "a 0.5 to 1.5 standard dose of tablets (325mg) per week (roughly equivalent to a daily low-dose aspirin), for more than five years" can protect a person from bowel cancer.
Low-dose aspirin, also known as 'baby aspirin', reduces a person's chance to get bowel cancer by 27%. This is based on 45 studies conducted on 150,000 people, said the Daily Mail. It is a significant amount because 42,000 people in UK get bowel tumors every year.
For pancreatic cancer, aspirin's positive effects can only be seen if the person has been taking it for a decade. It can reduce the risk of having pancreatic cancer by 46 percent.
According to the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention posted on Cure Today, "using aspirin regularly was associated with a 46 percent decreased risk for pancreatic cancer in this population. Risk decreased by 8 percent for each year of aspirin use."
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Certain consequences
Aspirin may be a solution to cancer. But taking it has some risks, too. Aspirin makes blood less 'sticky' and experts warn the possibility of gastrointestinal bleeding, according to the Daily Mail.
Even though aspirin has been praised and embraced by the medical community, it may not work on other people. Their lifestyle, body composition, and genetics can affect the effectiveness of aspirin.
Aspirin is used to treat cardiovascular conditions, reduce fever, and lessen inflammation. Consult a doctor first before using aspirin, which has side effects like an upset stomach, heartburn, sleepiness, or mild headache.
Not consulting a doctor can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, cough or vomit with blood, confusion, and hallucination. Some of the things aspirin takes care of, such as swelling and fever, may also occur for three to ten days, depending on the severity of the case.
