aspirin (derived from willow bark) cuts cancer risk

March 6, 2003

New research suggests aspirin cuts cancer risk

Aspirin may cut the risk of numerous cancers, new findings have suggested.

Researchers have found taking the drug regularly for five years or more appears to reduce the chances of mouth, throat and gullet cancer by two thirds.

Scientists already suspected that the drug, which is derived from willow bark, may help prevent bowel and lung cancer.

A team of Italian researchers pooled and re-analysed data from three separate studies involving 965 cancer patients and 1,779 people admitted to hospital for other conditions.

Head scientist Dr Cristina Bosetti, from the Institute of Pharmacological Research in Milan, said the findings offer "the first quantitative evidence that taking aspirin may reduce the risk of developing cancers in what we call the aerodigestive tract, connecting the mouth and the stomach."

She said it was believed aspirin may act on an enzyme called cyclooxegenase-2 which has a role both in inflammation and cancer growth.

The findings were reported in the British Journal of Cancer, which is owned by Cancer Research UK.

Dr Richard Sullivan, the charity's Head of Clinical Programmes, said: "What began life as a simple painkiller now seems to have a wide range of beneficial effects for our health, and this new study adds to the evidence of a significant protective effect against cancer."

But he added:"We're not yet at the stage where we can recommend that everyone starts taking aspirin on a daily basis, as we'll need to further investigate its effectiveness and possible side-effects of long-term use."

Story filed: 18:22 Tuesday 4th March 2003