Low-Dose Aspirin in the Primary Prevention of Cancer

Abstract

A growing body of literature supports a protective effect of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the development of cancer. In experimental animal models, NSAIDs have been shown to suppress tumor growth.^1,2 Observational epidemiological investigations suggest a strong inverse association, with risk reductions as high as 20% to 50% for various cancer sites,³ including but not limited to colorectal cancer,^4,5 breast cancer,⁶ and gastric cancer.³ In addition, polyp prevention trials have consistently demonstrated a beneficial effect of aspirin and other NSAIDs on recurrence of colorectal adenomas.⁵