Aspirin benefits in bowel cancer
20 October, 2000
While a healthy diet, including fresh fruit and vegetables, fibre and low in animal fats, is still the main recommendation for people wanting to lower their risk of bowel cancer, aspirin and other so-called ‘anti-inflammatory’ drugs have been shown to reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer by up to half.
Researchers found that people prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs long term for their arthritis or other conditions had lower rates of bowel cancer than other people. However, caution is advised, as for many people the detrimental side effects of these drugs would offset any potential benefit in cancer reduction.
Addressing the 2000 Australian Gastroenterology Week in Hobart, Professor Graeme Young, Head of Gastrointestinal Services at Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide, said that newer and safer drugs, similar to the traditional anti-inflammatory drugs, were now being trialled in Australia for the prevention of bowel cancer.
Professor Young said that the drugs appear to normalise cell growth and can reduce existing pre-cancerous growths in the bowel (known as adenomas) and slow the development of new growths.
‘While anti-inflammatory drugs can also be considered as a preventive measure for people with a very strong family history of inherited bowel cancer, doctors are reluctant to use them more widely because for many people the side effects of the drugs would offset any benefits,’ said Professor Young.
Remember aspirin is not suitable for everybody. Your doctor is the best person to offer advice about the suitability of any medication.
Last Reviewed: 20 October 2000
