Most people know that daily low-dose aspirin is often prescribed by doctors to help prevent heart attack and stroke. Now, a new study shows that aspirin may help prevent cancer, as well.

We’ve known for some time that people who take aspirin appear to have lower incidences of certain cancers, but this study, published in the December 7, 2010 issue of The Lancet, and authored by Oxford University neurologist, Peter Rothwell, offers far more convincing evidence than we’ve had to date. Rothwell analyzed eight previous randomized, controlled studies, that studied the effects of regular aspirin use among more than 25,000 people. About half were given a daily low-dose aspirin (equivalent to a “baby” aspirin) and the other half were given a placebo. Those on aspirin had a 21 percent lower death rate from solid tumor cancers.

According to Time magazine, here’s what Rothwell found:

“Deaths from esophageal cancer were reduced by 60% in the aspirin-takers (who took the drug for at least five years), compared with the placebo group. Lung cancer deaths were reduced by 30%, colorectal cancer deaths were cut by 40% and prostate cancer deaths were lowered by 10%, compared with the patients who got placebo.

“What’s more, the longer people took aspirin, the greater their reduction in cancer risk. The findings are in line with other research that has found anticancer benefits of aspirin in the lab, as well as observational studies that have shown aspirin’s protective effect against colorectal and other cancers. Researchers say the drug’s benefit may have to do with its anti-inflammatory effect.”

Does this mean that everyone should take aspirin? Well, no. Even that innocent looking little pill you buy over-the-counter at the drug store comes with some very serious potential side-effects. Bleeding in the gut, caused by aspirin, can, itself, cause serious illness and even death. Only use aspirin on a regular basis  – or any other drug, over the counter or not –if your physician has recommended it and is monitoring your use.

But if your doctor already has put you on an aspirin regimen, it’s good to know that you might be getting a very valuable side-benefit.

– Yvonne S. Thornton, MD, MPH