Aspirin May Cut Risk of Throat Cancer

Italian Researchers at the Institute of Pharmacological Research in Milan have found that taking low-dose aspirin regularly could cut the risk of developing cancers of the mouth, throat and oesophagus.

Aspirin is already widely used to relieve headaches, arthritis and to prevent heart attacks and stroke. Studies also suggest that it may have a protective effect against bowel and lung cancer.

The study involved 965 cancer patients who had been taking apirin for other problems, such as heart disease for 5 years. Another 1,800 people filled in questionnaires about their smoking and drinking habits, diet and how often they took aspirin.

The results showed aspirin could slash the risk of mouth and throat cancer by up to two-thirds. Researchers believe aspirin may play a role in cutting cancer risk because of its impact on the enzyme cyclooxegenase-2, which is involved in inflammation and thought to be linked to the development of cancer. Researchers also suspect that aspirin may play an important role in preventing stomach, prostate and breast cancer.

Researchers are continuing to investigate the effectiveness of aspirin and possible side-effects of long-term use. However, researchers believe that the drug could become an important part of cancer prevention.

(Source: Reuters Health)