A recent study highlights the potential of aspirin in reducing the risk of gastric cancer (GC), specifically with prolonged use. This analysis, part of the Stomach Cancer Pooling Project, involved over 12,000 participants across seven countries. Researchers found that regular aspirin use was associated with a 28% reduced risk of GC. Notably, those who used aspirin for 15 or more years showed an even stronger reduction in risk, with odds dropping to nearly 60%.
Aspirin’s protective effect is thought to arise from its inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which play a key role in inflammation and cancer development. This aligns with previous studies linking aspirin to a lower risk of various cancers, including colorectal and gastric cancers. While the inverse relationship between aspirin and GC was consistent, the same was not observed for statins, another cardiovascular drug.
Interestingly, aspirin’s impact was more pronounced in individuals without a family history of GC. However, the study’s results should be approached cautiously as further clinical trials are needed to confirm the optimal dosage and duration for cancer prevention.
This research underlines the potential of aspirin as a chemopreventive agent, particularly for high-risk groups. However, the associated risks, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, must also be considered in clinical practice.
For further details, access the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.35510
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