British scientists recommend aspirin for cancer prevention
Prevention of cancer with aspirin was recognized as effective and safe
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The positive effect of taking aspirin as a means of preventing certain types of cancer, especially cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, outweighs the potential health harm associated with this drug. This conclusion was reached by experts from Queen Mary University of London, QMUL (Great Britain) based on the analysis of all data published to date in the scientific literature obtained during studies and clinical trials of the preventive use of aspirin. The results of the first such comprehensive study of this issue were published on August 5 in the journal Annals of Oncology (Cuzick et al., Estimates of benefits and harms of prophylactic use of aspirin in the general population, in the public domain).
The presence of acetylsalicylic acid (the active ingredient of aspirin), in addition to the ability to prevent the formation of blood clots, antitumor activity has been proven by numerous publications in scientific journals in recent years. In April 2012, Scottish scientists discovered the mechanism of anti-cancer action of aspirin, finding out that it increases the activity of AMP–kinase (AMPK), a protein that regulates cell metabolism and growth, as well as controlling its energy balance. At the same time, American oncologists proposed to include regular intake of small doses of aspirin in the recommendations for cancer prevention. At the same time, it is known that taking aspirin is associated with an increased risk of bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the formation of stomach and duodenal ulcers due to its irritating effect on the mucous membrane.
Meanwhile, an analysis conducted by the staff of the QMUL Cancer Prevention Center under the leadership of Professor Jack Cuzick showed that long-term use of aspirin is very effective in preventing the development of cancer of the gastrointestinal tract. So, regular intake of 75-325 milligrams of the drug for 10 years reduces the likelihood of colon and rectal cancer by about 35 percent and the mortality rate for this reason by 40 percent. The risk of esophageal and stomach cancer is reduced by 30 percent, and mortality from these cancers is reduced by 35-50 percent.
The anti-cancer prophylactic effect of aspirin does not manifest itself earlier than after three years of administration, and it is most pronounced in people aged 50-65 years who take the drug daily for 5-10 years. In general, ten-year aspirin intake is associated with a 9 percent decrease in the number of cases of all types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases in men and 7 percent in women, as well as a 4 percent decrease in the death rate from any cause.
As for the dangerous side effect of acetylsalicylic acid, then, as established by Cusick and his colleagues, ten-year regular intake of its small doses increases the risk of bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract for 60-year-old individuals by 1.4 percent, which can be a life-threatening condition for a relatively small proportion of people (less than 5 percent). At the same time, before the age of 70, the probability of developing such a side effect is very small.
"The benefits of preventive daily intake of 75-325 milligrams of aspirin for at least five years significantly outweigh the potential risk of negative side effects," the authors conclude. – A longer intake of the drug is associated with its more pronounced preventive effectiveness against oncological and cardiovascular diseases."
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru20.08.2014