Aspirin and cancer

Rewriter
Rewriter Member Posts: 493 Member
Just reporting, not advocating:


Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey:
April 2011 - Volume 66 - Issue 4 - pp 222-223
doi: 10.1097/OGX.0b013e318225cec2
Gynecology: Cancer
Effect of Daily Aspirin on Long-Term Risk of Death Due to Cancer: Analysis of Individual Patient Data From Randomized Trials
Rothwell, Peter M.; Fowkes, F. Gerald R.; Belch, Jill F. F.; Ogawa, Hisao; Warlow, Charles P.; Meade, Tom W.

Abstract
Daily treatment with aspirin for longer than 5 years reduces the long-term risk of colorectal cancer. A number of studies have suggested that long-term aspirin use may reduce the risk of several noncolorectal solid cancers, but clear evidence for a preventive effect is lacking.

This study investigated the possible effect of aspirin on reducing the risk of fatal cancer among patients with gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal cancers. Data were obtained from randomized trials with aspirin, originally conducted on prevention of vascular events. Eligible trials with median duration of scheduled trial treatment of at least 4 years were identified in the medical literature.

Pooled results comparing the effect of aspirin and controls on deaths due to cancer showed 674 deaths due to cancer among 25,570 patients; aspirin significantly reduced the risk of cancer deaths (odds ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68–0.92; P = 0.003). Analysis of data on time of death available from 7 trials (23,535 patients, 657 cancer deaths) showed that a reduction in risk of death was apparent only after 5 years' follow-up for all cancers (hazard ratio [HR], 0.66; 95% CI, 0.50–0.87) and gastrointestinal cancers (HR, 0.46; 0.27–0.77; P values for both = 0.003). Three posttrial follow-up studies on the 20-year risk of death due to cancer (1634 deaths in 12,659 patients) showed that the reduction in risk by aspirin treatment compared with controls remained lower for all solid cancers (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72–0.88; P < 0.0001) and gastrointestinal cancer (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.54–0.78; P < 0.0001). The greatest benefit was found with scheduled duration of trial treatment of ≥7.5 years for solid cancers (P = 0.003) and gastrointestinal cancers (P = 0.0001). Reductions in risk of death due to esophageal, pancreatic, brain, and lung cancer were evident only after a latent period of 5 years, whereas reductions in deaths due to stomach, colorectal, and prostate cancer were not observed until about 10 years. The benefit on the 20-year risk of death was limited to certain cancers, especially adenocarcinomas of lung (P = 0.04) and esophagus (P = 0.0001). The absolute reduction in risk of death due to cancer at 20 years increased with age, reaching 7.08% (95% CI, 2.42–11.74) at age 65 years or more. No increased benefit was found for aspirin doses greater than 75 mg daily and the effect was unrelated to gender or smoking.

These findings provide evidence that daily aspirin reduces the risk of death due to several common noncolorectal cancers during and after the trials, with consistent effects across different populations and benefit increasing with duration of treatment.

© 2011 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

Comments

  • california_artist
    california_artist Member Posts: 816 Member
    Jill
    Google Cox-2 inhibitor. It's something I haven't brought up here. It is why celebrex worked for some with cancer.

    There was a book a read in the very beginning of this journey. Racing for a/the Cure about some fellows search for something to fight his cancer.

    Do you have any experience with chlorella???? you know I am a total insomniac-3 or 4 fours sleep at a time if I'm lucky. I had ordered chlorella for its chlorophyll content and took my first one yesterday afternoon, late. I went to bed a little after midnight, and didn't wake up 'till 10. My window was open, my curtain was back I live across from a school. I could get used to sleeping. Even had a dream for the first time in years that I could remember.
  • Rewriter
    Rewriter Member Posts: 493 Member

    Jill
    Google Cox-2 inhibitor. It's something I haven't brought up here. It is why celebrex worked for some with cancer.

    There was a book a read in the very beginning of this journey. Racing for a/the Cure about some fellows search for something to fight his cancer.

    Do you have any experience with chlorella???? you know I am a total insomniac-3 or 4 fours sleep at a time if I'm lucky. I had ordered chlorella for its chlorophyll content and took my first one yesterday afternoon, late. I went to bed a little after midnight, and didn't wake up 'till 10. My window was open, my curtain was back I live across from a school. I could get used to sleeping. Even had a dream for the first time in years that I could remember.

    There was some post here
    There was some post here that mentioned chlorella, and I thought you questioned whether poster meant chlorophyll. This causes me to look up chlorella and make the following notes:

    Chlorella is a single-celled algae originally produced as a source of protein for populations that could not afford animal protein foods. In addition to tons of chlorophyll, chlorella contains magnesium and carotenoids; and its reported benefits include:

    --aids in detoxification
    --enhances immune function
    --lowers blood pressure
    --reduces cholesterol
    --speeds wound healing
    --contains anti-tumor properties
    --can be used as complete protein source
    --helps protect and/or heal the GI tract

    I might get some of this stuff, but I hear that it is very expensive. As for its possible contribution to your excellent night's sleep, I could get used to that benefit, too. Right now, I am working on my bed, my curtain is back, and a nice breeze is blowing in. The temperature outside seems perfect.

    I will Google Cox-2 inhibitor.
  • Rewriter
    Rewriter Member Posts: 493 Member
    Rewriter said:

    There was some post here
    There was some post here that mentioned chlorella, and I thought you questioned whether poster meant chlorophyll. This causes me to look up chlorella and make the following notes:

    Chlorella is a single-celled algae originally produced as a source of protein for populations that could not afford animal protein foods. In addition to tons of chlorophyll, chlorella contains magnesium and carotenoids; and its reported benefits include:

    --aids in detoxification
    --enhances immune function
    --lowers blood pressure
    --reduces cholesterol
    --speeds wound healing
    --contains anti-tumor properties
    --can be used as complete protein source
    --helps protect and/or heal the GI tract

    I might get some of this stuff, but I hear that it is very expensive. As for its possible contribution to your excellent night's sleep, I could get used to that benefit, too. Right now, I am working on my bed, my curtain is back, and a nice breeze is blowing in. The temperature outside seems perfect.

    I will Google Cox-2 inhibitor.

    Cox-2 and aspirin
    is an enzyme that increases inflammation and is associated with cancers and abnormal growths in the intestinal tract. Aspirin is a potent Cox-2 inhibitor.

    Are there negative side effects that you know of?
  • maggie_wilson
    maggie_wilson Member Posts: 596
    Rewriter said:

    Cox-2 and aspirin
    is an enzyme that increases inflammation and is associated with cancers and abnormal growths in the intestinal tract. Aspirin is a potent Cox-2 inhibitor.

    Are there negative side effects that you know of?

    sisters,

    are you just talking about aspirin, or does that include motrin as well?

    sisterhood,
    maggie
  • Rewriter
    Rewriter Member Posts: 493 Member

    sisters,

    are you just talking about aspirin, or does that include motrin as well?

    sisterhood,
    maggie

    Aspirin alone
    NSAIDs were discussed separately, and I think they were to be avoided. When I have the time to research this in more depth, I will share what I find.
  • maggie_wilson
    maggie_wilson Member Posts: 596
    Rewriter said:

    Aspirin alone
    NSAIDs were discussed separately, and I think they were to be avoided. When I have the time to research this in more depth, I will share what I find.

    i'm not clear re: nsaids
    sisters,

    it sounded like aspirin was an anti-imflammatory that was also anti-cancer. it's also an nsaid, which jill thought were to be avoided. so, i'm not clear whether aspirin is a positive or not. whatever light you can shed on this would be great.

    sisterhood,
    maggie
  • Fayard
    Fayard Member Posts: 438 Member

    Jill
    Google Cox-2 inhibitor. It's something I haven't brought up here. It is why celebrex worked for some with cancer.

    There was a book a read in the very beginning of this journey. Racing for a/the Cure about some fellows search for something to fight his cancer.

    Do you have any experience with chlorella???? you know I am a total insomniac-3 or 4 fours sleep at a time if I'm lucky. I had ordered chlorella for its chlorophyll content and took my first one yesterday afternoon, late. I went to bed a little after midnight, and didn't wake up 'till 10. My window was open, my curtain was back I live across from a school. I could get used to sleeping. Even had a dream for the first time in years that I could remember.

    I have read about it
    I have read about it.
    Chlorella is also good for cancer prevention and to improve your immune system.
    I'll ask my doctor about taking it. I also have a very hard time sleeping.
    I wonder if it is because I am almost done, and the chemo is cumulative.
    I am also feeling very dizzy and off balance.
    I just called my doctor to ask for my blood work results since I have treatment tomorrow, and he said everything looks good and to drink a lot of water to keep me hydrated.
  • Rewriter
    Rewriter Member Posts: 493 Member

    i'm not clear re: nsaids
    sisters,

    it sounded like aspirin was an anti-imflammatory that was also anti-cancer. it's also an nsaid, which jill thought were to be avoided. so, i'm not clear whether aspirin is a positive or not. whatever light you can shed on this would be great.

    sisterhood,
    maggie

    Aspirin versus NSAIDs?
    Maggie--

    I have been traveling all over the Internet trying to find the article that I believe made a distinction between the above and in favor of plain aspirin as an anti-cancer aid.

    However, salicylate--the active ingredient in regular aspirin and ostensibly the ingredient that has the anti-cancer properties--is ALSO present in (other?) NSAIDs. This being the case, I don't see why you can't just take ibuprofen, for example.

    I'll keep looking, but this is the information I have been able to locate thus far.

    All the best,

    Jill
  • california_artist
    california_artist Member Posts: 816 Member
    Fayard said:

    I have read about it
    I have read about it.
    Chlorella is also good for cancer prevention and to improve your immune system.
    I'll ask my doctor about taking it. I also have a very hard time sleeping.
    I wonder if it is because I am almost done, and the chemo is cumulative.
    I am also feeling very dizzy and off balance.
    I just called my doctor to ask for my blood work results since I have treatment tomorrow, and he said everything looks good and to drink a lot of water to keep me hydrated.

    Fayard
    Thanks a heap. Are you feeling better????Try putting your head slowly on one shoulder and then on the other. They had me do that in the er when I went in cause I was so dizzy.


    Everything looks good is great==-- no???
  • maggie_wilson
    maggie_wilson Member Posts: 596

    Fayard
    Thanks a heap. Are you feeling better????Try putting your head slowly on one shoulder and then on the other. They had me do that in the er when I went in cause I was so dizzy.


    Everything looks good is great==-- no???

    jill
    thank you, jill, for doing all that searching. i do take motrin, but it's not so good for kidneys or stomach, so i'm trying to wean, or switch to something else that works as well.

    sisterhood,
    maggie
  • kkstef
    kkstef Member Posts: 688 Member

    jill
    thank you, jill, for doing all that searching. i do take motrin, but it's not so good for kidneys or stomach, so i'm trying to wean, or switch to something else that works as well.

    sisterhood,
    maggie

    Aspirin \. NSAID's
    This was taken from an article from American Cancer Society on colon cancer... Aspirin is an NSAID along with Motrin, etc. I have read (someplace) that Aspirin does not have kidney related issues that Motrin, etc. do. One of the main issues is the potential for GI bleeding with Aspirin and Motrin, etc. However, the dosage I have read for Aspirin is the low dose tablet so that should decreases the potential harm. Of course if you are also taking Fish Oil, which also thins the blood, the combo of that and aspirin would need to be seriously considered.

    I will keep looking too for more definitive scientific evidence...

    Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

    Many studies have found that people who regularly use aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®), have a lower risk of colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps. Most of these studies looked at people who took these medicines for reasons such as to treat arthritis or prevent heart attacks. Other, stronger studies have provided evidence that aspirin can prevent the growth of polyps in people who were previously treated for early stages of colorectal cancer or who previously had polyps removed.

    But NSAIDs can cause serious or even life-threatening side effects such as bleeding from stomach irritation, which may outweigh the benefits of these medicines for the general public. For this reason, experts do not recommend NSAIDs as a cancer prevention strategy for people at average risk of developing colorectal cancer.

    The value of these drugs for people at increased colorectal cancer risk is being actively studied. Celecoxib (Celebrex®) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for reducing polyp formation in people with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). This drug may cause less bleeding in the stomach than other NSAIDs, but it may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

    Aspirin or other NSAIDs can have serious side effects, so check with your doctor before starting to take any of them on a regular basis.

    Karen
  • Rewriter
    Rewriter Member Posts: 493 Member
    kkstef said:

    Aspirin \. NSAID's
    This was taken from an article from American Cancer Society on colon cancer... Aspirin is an NSAID along with Motrin, etc. I have read (someplace) that Aspirin does not have kidney related issues that Motrin, etc. do. One of the main issues is the potential for GI bleeding with Aspirin and Motrin, etc. However, the dosage I have read for Aspirin is the low dose tablet so that should decreases the potential harm. Of course if you are also taking Fish Oil, which also thins the blood, the combo of that and aspirin would need to be seriously considered.

    I will keep looking too for more definitive scientific evidence...

    Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

    Many studies have found that people who regularly use aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®), have a lower risk of colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps. Most of these studies looked at people who took these medicines for reasons such as to treat arthritis or prevent heart attacks. Other, stronger studies have provided evidence that aspirin can prevent the growth of polyps in people who were previously treated for early stages of colorectal cancer or who previously had polyps removed.

    But NSAIDs can cause serious or even life-threatening side effects such as bleeding from stomach irritation, which may outweigh the benefits of these medicines for the general public. For this reason, experts do not recommend NSAIDs as a cancer prevention strategy for people at average risk of developing colorectal cancer.

    The value of these drugs for people at increased colorectal cancer risk is being actively studied. Celecoxib (Celebrex®) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for reducing polyp formation in people with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). This drug may cause less bleeding in the stomach than other NSAIDs, but it may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

    Aspirin or other NSAIDs can have serious side effects, so check with your doctor before starting to take any of them on a regular basis.

    Karen

    Baby aspirin?
    Thank you, Karen. The article excerpt you shared is very helpful. I should write information down, or cut and paste it, when there is any chance that I might need to refer to it again. That being said, I remember reading that a baby aspirin was deemed a sufficient enough dose to provide cancer-fighting benefits.

    I'm not sure that I am ready to begin taking a daily aspirin without more compelling studies, partly because I promised myself to get almost everything I need through food sources. However, I will continue my research.

    Jill
  • kkstef
    kkstef Member Posts: 688 Member
    Rewriter said:

    Baby aspirin?
    Thank you, Karen. The article excerpt you shared is very helpful. I should write information down, or cut and paste it, when there is any chance that I might need to refer to it again. That being said, I remember reading that a baby aspirin was deemed a sufficient enough dose to provide cancer-fighting benefits.

    I'm not sure that I am ready to begin taking a daily aspirin without more compelling studies, partly because I promised myself to get almost everything I need through food sources. However, I will continue my research.

    Jill

    Me Either
    I'm not ready to do that either. My Dr. had suggested a baby aspirin to prevent strokes/heart attack but I honestly didn't think the literature was very compelling, especially when I don't have a family history of heart disease.

    So...more research!

    Karen
  • Fayard
    Fayard Member Posts: 438 Member

    Fayard
    Thanks a heap. Are you feeling better????Try putting your head slowly on one shoulder and then on the other. They had me do that in the er when I went in cause I was so dizzy.


    Everything looks good is great==-- no???

    Thank you so much for
    Thank you so much for checking...I will try that.
    I have treatment tomorrow, one more before the last one!