Health
Aspirin Seen as Colon Cancer Weapon
Anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) such as aspirin may be a significant weapon in lowering the risk of colorectal cancer because of the drugs' tendency to reduce pre-cancerous growths such as intestinal polyps, a new study says.
Writing in the journal Gastroenterology, researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that regular users of aspirin, ibuprofen and certain prescription drugs -- approximately 15 times monthly -- were about half as likely to develop the polyps known as adenomas.
But the researchers also say this class of medications "can have widespread effects" such as possible gastrointestinal ulcers. "It is necessary to consider the full range of risks and benefits from these medications and not simply focus on protective effects against colorectal neoplasia," the scientists say.
Their research covered more than 200 persons with polyps and more than 160 without the growths. Following up with questions on the use of medication and other factors, researchers say those who took the drugs regularly had half the risk of developing polyps as those who used such medication on a non-regular basis.
Writing in the journal Gastroenterology, researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that regular users of aspirin, ibuprofen and certain prescription drugs -- approximately 15 times monthly -- were about half as likely to develop the polyps known as adenomas.
But the researchers also say this class of medications "can have widespread effects" such as possible gastrointestinal ulcers. "It is necessary to consider the full range of risks and benefits from these medications and not simply focus on protective effects against colorectal neoplasia," the scientists say.
Their research covered more than 200 persons with polyps and more than 160 without the growths. Following up with questions on the use of medication and other factors, researchers say those who took the drugs regularly had half the risk of developing polyps as those who used such medication on a non-regular basis.
