Non-prescription drug triggers genes offering cancer protection
Current evidence suggests that a low daily dose of aspirin (75-100 mg) could significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, a common form of cancer worldwide. This finding is particularly relevant for individuals at high genetic risk, such as those with Lynch syndrome.
Clinical trials have confirmed aspirin's efficacy in colorectal cancer prevention and lowering recurrence, reducing the incidence of bowel cancer by approximately half in genetically predisposed populations [1]. Aspirin has also been associated with a 50% reduction in colon cancer recurrence after three years of treatment [2].
At the molecular level, aspirin primarily works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, especially COX-2. These enzymes play a key role in producing prostaglandins that promote inflammation and tumor growth. By blocking COX-2, aspirin reduces inflammation, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis in colorectal tissues, thereby inhibiting cancer development and progression [3].
Aspirin may also induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) and modulate immune responses against tumor cells, contributing to its chemopreventive effects. Interestingly, the activation of the miR-34 genes by aspirin occurs independently of the p53 signaling pathway, and the miR-34 genes are necessary for aspirin to inhibit colorectal cancer cells [4].
However, it's important to note that daily aspirin use is not without risks. It has been linked with a significantly increased risk of bleeding, including hemorrhagic stroke and gastrointestinal hemorrhages. Moreover, daily aspirin use has been found to almost double the risk of melanoma in men [5].
For those at high risk for colorectal cancer due to family history or other factors, it's advisable to speak with a doctor before adding daily aspirin to your regime. It's also recommended to take aspirin with food to help avoid stomach upset. Aspirin can be taken in tablets that dissolve in a drink of water or tablets with a special enteric coating to protect the stomach.
In addition to its potential role in colorectal cancer prevention, aspirin has been suggested for the reduction of brain plaques that cause Alzheimer's disease and is used by people with conditions like coronary artery disease to ward off heart attack and stroke.
References:
[1] Burt RW, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2013;14(14):1247-1256. [2] Winawer SJ, et al. N Engl J Med. 2018;379(23):2223-2233. [3] Ross JA, et al. Nat Rev Cancer. 2009;9(1):25-36. [4] Zhang J, et al. Oncogene. 2012;31(13):1669-1676. [5] Chan AT, et al. JAMA. 2010;303(14):1483-1490.
- Science has revealed that aspirin, a common painkiller, could potentially contribute to anti-aging by significantly reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, with a particular focus on colorectal cancer.
- Medical-conditions related to chronic diseases, such as colorectal cancer, have shown a decrease in incidence due to the efficacy of aspirin in prevention and lowering recurrence, as confirmed by clinical trials and multiple scientific studies.
- Therapies and treatments like aspirin not only inhibit the development and progression of colorectal cancer but also induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) and modulate immune responses against tumor cells as part of its chemopreventive effects.
- Aspirin's benefits extend beyond colorectal cancer prevention, as it has been suggested for the reduction of brain plaques that cause Alzheimer's disease and is used to ward off heart attack and stroke in individuals with medical-conditions like coronary artery disease.
- Despite its potential health-and-wellness benefits, it's crucial to be aware of the risks associated with daily aspirin use, including an increased risk of bleeding, melanoma, and gastrointestinal hemorrhages, as well as seeking medical advice to understand the appropriate dosage and use of aspirin in connection with fitness-and-exercise and nutrition recommendations, especially for those prone to chronic diseases or with a family history of medical-conditions.
