Aspirin can reduce the risk of bowel cancer

Two standard aspirin tablets taken every day for two years can reduce the risk of inherited bowel cancer for at least a decade, research has revealed. 

An international study – led by researchers at the universities of Leeds and Newcastle – followed 861 people with Lynch Syndrome, an inherited disorder that increases the likelihood of certain cancers, particularly cancer of the bowel. 

The study – known as CaPP 2 – started in 1997, with half the participants taking a 600mg daily dose of aspirin and the other half a placebo or dummy tablet. They took the tablets for at least two years.  

“Taking aspirin can lead to a significant reduction in the risk of  bowel cancer for some patients.”

Professor Tim Bishop

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