Colorectal cancer cases are on the rise, but a simple anti-inflammatory can protect you from this disease, which is the second most common cause of death worldwide, according to a study, reports CNN.
Genetics play a role in the development of colorectal cancer. Photo: Archive
In the United States, about 153,020 people were diagnosed with the condition a year ago, and colorectal cancer cases have increased among those under 55.
Although genetics also play a role in the occurrence of colorectal cancer, unhealthy lifestyles also contribute to increasing the risk of developing this disease, such as unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking and being overweight.
In addition to adopting healthy habits, medical professionals indicated low-dose aspirin to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
The Preventive Services Task Force recommended aspirin in 2016, but changed its mind six years later due to concerns that the drug could cause bleeding. In addition to bleeding, aspirin can also cause gastrointestinal problems.
After revising that recommendation, the authors of the new study wanted to find out if there are people who might benefit from this method of preventing oncologist visits.
“Those with a healthier lifestyle have a lower initial risk of colorectal cancer”
In the study, which was published Thursday in the journal JAMA Oncology, researchers analyzed information from more than 107,655 people who were included in the Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study databases.
Since most of the participants were white, the authors recommended that the study be conducted among other people to see if the conclusion would be the same.
Those who took part in this study were monitored for a minimum of 10 years. The participants also had to answer surveys to find out if their lifestyle was healthy.
BMI, alcohol consumption and diet, smoking and physical activity were taken into account in the surveys. In this study, taking two or more aspirin pills or six or more low-dose tablets per week constituted regular drug use.
According to the study, those who used aspirin had an 18% lower risk of developing colorectal cancer than those who did not use the drug. In addition, those who did not have a healthy lifestyle had more benefits, especially if they were smokers or had a body mass index greater than 25.
“Our results indicate that aspirin may proportionally reduce the significantly elevated risk in those with multiple risk factors for colorectal cancer” said Dr. Daniel Sikavi, the study’s lead author and a gastroenterologist at Mass General Brigham.
“In contrast, those with healthier lifestyles have a lower baseline risk of colorectal cancer, and therefore the benefits of aspirin were still evident, although less pronounced.”Sikavi added.
“There are things you can change about your lifestyle”
Although scientists haven’t learned why aspirin proves to be so effective in this case, previous research has indicated that the drug can inhibit pro-inflammatory signals that can cause cancer.
Despite other studies showing aspirin’s benefits in preventing colorectal cancer in certain populations, the results have been weak, according to the authors of the new research. They believe that doctors should take lifestyle risk factors into account when deciding whether to take aspirin to prevent colorectal cancer.
Dr. Christina Annunziata, senior vice president of scientific discovery at the American Cancer Society, noted that the study revealed the most important effect of aspirin in those with multiple risk factors for colon cancer.
It should be noted that more research is needed to establish the effects of this drug.
“There are things you can change about your lifestyle that will reduce your risk.”said Annunziata, who did not take part in the study.
It is important to maintain a healthy weight, eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains and reduce alcohol consumption.
