Long been called "the wonder drug" for its anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits, inexpensive aspirin could once again show us that the best things in life are almost free. Studies by researchers at the University of Oxford report that taking an aspirin a day might help reduce the risk of cancer and ward off cancer metastasis, the spread of cancer from one body location or organ to another. However, the researchers caution that this is not a call for everyone to begin taking aspirin. Concerns over the gastrointestinal effects of aspirin remain for those at risk of bleeding and more research is needed to further examine the benefits regarding cancer prevention.
One of the studies reports that aspirin use reduced the risk of cancer by 20 percent. In another review of several large randomized studies, the Oxford researchers reported that after more than an average of six years, a daily aspirin regimen reduced the risk of metastasis by 36 percent. The study was published in the March 20 issue of The Lancet.
What you can do: If you believe you have an increased risk of a particular type of cancer, check with your doctor to see if an aspirin a day regimen is warranted.
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