Aspirin is a household staple used to treat inflammations and help alleviate symptoms of pain and fever. Since the wonder drug is capable of handling almost anything thrown at it, people have wondered what other health benefits it could give the human body. There is new evidence that suggests that aspirin can reduce the chances of acquiring digestive tract cancer.
A study published in the Annals of Oncology summarized results for past researches that deal with the ability of aspirin to help reduce the chances of developing digestive tract cancer. The specific percentage of reduction ranges from 22 to 39 percent.
There is, however, one big caveat—the potential side effects. One side effect, in particular, is the increased risk of bleeding associated with it, although it can decrease the risk of heart disease. Although aspirin helps improve the protection of the body against certain conditions, it also increases the risk for other types of illnesses and complications.
Is using aspirin to decrease the chance of digestive tract cancer safe? Do the benefits outweigh the complications?
Risk Assessment of Aspirin Intake
There are no established guidelines from the American Cancer Society (ACS) regarding the use of aspirin to treat cancer. There is, after all, a lack of substantial studies about the risks and benefits to make conclusive statements. Experts, however, note that the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) can act as a guide instead of the official guideline.
According to the USPSTF, daily intake of aspirin reduces the risk of heart-related and brain-related attacks for the next ten years for people aged between 50 and 59. Any medical professional can calculate the risk using the online calculator software by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association.
The USPSTF also states that for people to experience any reduction in the risk of digestive tract cancer, they must take aspirin at least five years for effects to take place. With that said, older adults who do not regularly take aspirin cannot immediately enjoy its benefits.
Lifestyle Changes that Reduce Digestive Tract Cancer Risks
Although studies say that aspirin helps, it is not the only way to reduce the risks of digestive tract cancer. There are, however, variables that people can not manipulate like age and hereditary problems. On the bright side, variables that people can control are vices (drinking or smoking), an inactive lifestyle, or an unhealthy diet. All of the mentioned factors are lifestyle changes that can be done with strong will and extreme grit.
Additionally, experts recommend that people who reach the age of 45 should start getting annual check-ups on their colon called colonoscopy. In doing so, the practice helps identify problems earlier. Because of that, doctors can recommend lifestyle changes and medications that help reduce your chances of developing digestive tract diseases.
Aspirin Is Off-Limits for People with Heart Problems
Aspirin, as a cancer risk-reducing drug, is not for everyone, especially for some people who are suffering from heart diseases. Although researchers say that aspirin helps reduce the risk of heart diseases, it can also make patients suffer from bleeding complications in the gastrointestinal tract. Experts recommend aspirin for certain people who have high-risks of heart disease. However, people over 70 years old who had a heart attack and those with high-risk of bleeding must not take aspirin.
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