If there were a pill we could take to help prevent cancer, most of us would probably jump at the chance. Recent research suggests that aspirin could have the potential to be this pill.
But don’t reach for that bottle of aspirin just yet. Henry Ford Health medical oncologist Harmesh Naik, M.D., explains the significance of the studies on aspirin and what to do before taking it.
The Research on Aspirin and Cancer Prevention
A quick internet search brings up potentially exciting news about aspirin. Studies show that this medication may prevent colorectal cancer, and there’s potential to prevent breast, lung, prostate and stomach cancer, too. But just reading the headlines won’t tell you the whole story.
“The studies on aspirin and cancer prevention are mostly observational,” says Dr. Naik. “This means that researchers weren’t studying aspirin and cancer prevention when they discovered the connection. Instead, they came across these findings while they were studying other things.”
Two large observational studies published in 2011 and 2016 primarily started the conversation about aspirin and cancer. “In these studies, people who regularly took aspirin for heart health benefits were less likely to develop colorectal cancer,” says Dr. Naik. “But this doesn’t mean that aspirin alone was the reason for the lower cancer rates. A link between two things isn’t proof, but it is a reason to study it further. We need targeted studies—not observational ones—to know for sure that aspirin is the factor.”
How Can Aspirin Fight Cancer?
Experts have known for decades that aspirin can prevent heart attacks and strokes, and doctors may recommend it for this purpose. “Aspirin can prevent cardiovascular problems because it can thin the blood and fight inflammation that contributes to cardiovascular disease,” explains Dr. Naik.
And it’s these anti-inflammatory properties that may hold the key to cancer prevention. “Aspirin works by stopping cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the body,” says Dr. Naik. “COX enzymes contribute to inflammation, and some types of inflammation can lead to cancer development.”
Specifically, COX enzymes can:
- Damage your DNA, which can lead to mutations that can drive cancer
- Encourage cell growth and division, which can allow tumors to grow
- Part of your immune system that fights off diseases, including cancer
Which cancers can aspirin prevent?
Most of the evidence relates to colorectal cancer, but aspirin may hold the potential for preventing other cancer types. “The most research so far shows an effect on colon and rectal cancers,” says Dr. Naik. “It’s possible that aspirin could help prevent other cancers, but we need more research. Studies on other cancers are mixed, with some showing a benefit and others showing no results.”
Cancer Screening At Henry Ford Health
The Rest of the Story
Even with these possible benefits, it’s not as simple as telling everyone to pop an aspirin every day. “Cancer is a complex disease, which makes it complicated to study,” says Dr. Naik. “So many factors—from genetics to lifestyle and environment—could cause cancer. Some of these factors likely play a role in the observational studies on aspirin, too, so we can’t give aspirin all the credit without more evidence.”
Additionally, cancer prevention studies are a lengthy process. “Unlike cancer treatment trials, which can provide results within a few months, prevention trials can take years or even decades to complete,” says Dr. Naik. “This is because cancer itself can take years or decades to develop, so we have to wait a long time to see if the prevention measure did its job.”
Is it Safe to Start Taking Aspirin?
Although you can go into a store and buy a bottle of aspirin, it’s not without risks—and not everyone should take it. “Many people have the misconception that aspirin is safe because it’s over-the-counter,” says Dr. Naik. “But this medication has potentially serious side effects we have to consider.”The most significant risk with aspirin is bleeding. “Aspirin can cause stomach bleeding, which can be life-threatening in severe cases,” says Dr. Naik. “It can also raise your risk of a hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding in the brain.”
There’s also a possibility of an allergic reaction. “Some people are allergic to aspirin, which can lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis,” Dr. Naik says.
Given these risks, always talk to your healthcare provider before you start taking aspirin or any medication. “You and your provider can discuss whether the benefits of aspirin outweigh the downsides,” says Dr. Naik. “Your current health, family history and cancer risk all play a role in whether you should take aspirin.”
Science-Backed Ways to Prevent Cancer
A pill to prevent cancer is appealing, but we simply don’t have one yet. And even if aspirin proves to be an effective cancer fighter, the side effects mean it’s not for everyone.
Still, there are things you can do to help ward off cancer. “Regular cancer screenings, a healthy diet, exercise and not smoking are powerful ways to lower your cancer risk,” says Dr. Naik. “These habits are not glamorous like a pill, so they don’t get the media attention. A healthy lifestyle combined with screenings is the best weapon we have against this disease.”
Reviewed by Harmesh Naik, M.D., a board-certified medical oncologist with Henry Ford Health.
