Aspirin May Reduce Colon-Cancer Deaths

People being treated for colon cancer who also take aspirin may cut their risk of death by nearly 30%, a study suggests. The study focused on nearly 1,300 people with colorectal cancer. All were involved in one of two larger studies. Their health had been tracked for an average of 12 years. All had surgery for colon cancer. Some had chemotherapy. Of the whole group, 549 used aspirin regularly. About 15% of them died of colorectal cancer. Of the 730 people who didn’t use aspirin, 19% died. Researchers said more study was needed. The ideal study would randomly assign people with colon cancer to take or not take aspirin. Aspirin can lead to side effects. It can cause bleeding in the stomach or intestines. The study appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine. The Associated Press wrote about it August 12.