Two new studies by researchers at the at the Mayo Clinic have found that taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on a regular basis may offer some protection against cancer.
NSAIDs are commonly used analgesic drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, that are usually available over-the-counter and researchers suggest that their use may reduce the incidence of cancer and cancer-related death, particularly among former smokers.
Dr. Aditya Bardia of the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and the lead author, looked at the possible link between aspirin and non-aspirin use, and overall cancer incidence and mortality along with smoking status.
Bardia and colleagues found that of 22,507 postmenopausal women included in the Iowa Women's Health Study, over a 12 year period, 3,487 developed cancer and 1,193 died from the disease.
The study examined regular aspirin use as against no aspirin use, and it was found that there was a 16-percent lower risk of cancer and a 13-percent lower risk of cancer death, amongst the regular aspirin users.
The researchers say the link between aspirin use and the lower risk of cancer and cancer-related death was strongest among former smokers and those who never smoked and was not the case for women who still smoke.
NSAID use was not associated with cancer incidence or death, heart-disease death, or mortality from any cause.
Aspirin also appeared to protect patients against coronary heart disease and the overall mortality rate.
Bardia says the study provides provocative evidence that regular aspirin use may play a role in preventing the most common chronic diseases in western countries -cancer and heart disease.
The researchers do warn however that aspirin can also have adverse effects such as gastric bleeding and people should consult their doctor regarding the risks and benefits of aspirin use.