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Taking aspirin every day to reduce the risk of colon cancer? A new analysis of data from more than 120,000 people strongly argues against it.
A team led by Zhaolun Cai from Sichuan University in China examined this question because the use of painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen has recently been discussed — and in some cases even recommended — as a way to lower colon cancer risk. Since these medications have anti‑inflammatory effects, and inflammation plays a role in the development of tumors, some hoped that regular use might help prevent colon cancer. In the United States, this was even officially recommended for a time.
No Protective Effect in the First 15 Years
However, according to the analysis published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, there is no solid evidence to support this idea — unlike the well‑documented risks associated with taking aspirin. Within the first five to fifteen years of regular use, aspirin appears to have no impact on the number of new colon cancer cases, the researchers write.
There may be a slight protective effect after more than 15 years of continuous use, but the results are unclear and should be interpreted cautiously. Other factors besides aspirin could also be influencing the outcome.
Tens of Thousands of Patient Records Examined
To assess the benefits and risks of aspirin, the researchers analyzed data from around 125,000 people with an average cancer risk. The data came from ten clinical trials conducted mainly in Europe and North America.
Seven of the studies examined daily low‑dose aspirin (75–100 mg per day), while three looked at higher doses. The team did not find comparable studies involving other painkillers, so their conclusions apply only to aspirin.
Higher Risk of Bleeding and Stroke
The researchers compared how often colon cancer occurred among participants who took aspirin daily versus those in control groups who took no aspirin or a placebo. Lead author Zhaolun Cai explains:
“Although the idea that aspirin could prevent colon cancer in the long term is intriguing, our analysis shows that this benefit is not guaranteed and comes with immediate risks.”
The data revealed that regular aspirin use increases the risk of bleeding in or around the brain, as well as the risk of stroke. Older adults and people with pre‑existing conditions are particularly vulnerable.
No One‑Size‑Fits‑All Recommendation
The researchers emphasize that the benefits and risks must be carefully weighed, ideally with medical guidance. Co‑author Dan Cao stresses that there is no universal recommendation:
“The widespread use of aspirin in the general population is simply not supported by the current evidence.”
Michael Hoffmeister of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), who was not involved in the study, says the findings are not surprising. Recent studies have increasingly pointed in the same direction, and U.S. guidelines — which once recommended aspirin for colon cancer prevention — were revised several years ago.
Aspirin is known to have a delayed effect, Hoffmeister notes:
“To see any benefit, you need to take it for at least five years, and the effect only becomes visible in the years that follow.”
The same applies to the risks — the likelihood of bleeding also increases with long‑term use.
- source: orf.at/picture: Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pixabay
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