by A recent meta-analysis study conducted by the Welsh Aspirin Group at Cardiff University suggests that aspirin, an inexpensive and easily accessible medication, may provide benefits for cancer treatments. The study, titled “Aspirin and cancer treatment: systematic reviews and meta-analyses of evidence: for and against,” was published in the British Journal of Cancer.
The research involved a systematic review and meta-analysis of 118 observational studies involving approximately 1 million patients with various types of cancer. The findings indicate that taking a daily low-dose of aspirin (75 or 81 mg/day) is associated with a 20% reduction in cancer-related deaths and overall mortality.
The potential benefits of aspirin in cancer treatment were first discovered in 1968. Aspirin targets key biological mechanisms of cancer, reducing the risk of metastatic cancer spread and vascular complications in cancer patients. The review of research conducted by the Welsh Aspirin Group supports the use of aspirin in cancer treatments, particularly in reducing metastatic cancer spread and complications related to blood clots.
One of the concerns associated with aspirin use is the increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, the research aimed to evaluate the risks of aspirin use in cancer treatments, including the potential for gastrointestinal bleeding. The study found that aspirin-related gastrointestinal bleeding is less severe than bleeding in patients with stomach ulcers or stomach infection. Additionally, there is no valid evidence of any fatal bleeding caused by aspirin.
Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that due to the relative safety of aspirin, it should be promoted as a treatment for cancer. The benefits of aspirin are consistent, and the earlier it is initiated after a cancer diagnosis, the greater the potential benefit.
Aspirin is an affordable and widely available medication in almost every country. Promoting its use in cancer treatments could have significant worldwide benefits. This is particularly important considering the present delays in specialized services for patients suspected to have cancer. By reducing the risk of metastatic cancer spread, aspirin could provide substantial benefits to patients, explained Professor Peter Elwood, Honorary Professor at Cardiff University.
In summary, the meta-analysis study conducted by the Welsh Aspirin Group suggests that aspirin has potential benefits for cancer treatments. Its use can reduce the risk of metastatic cancer spread and minimize vascular complications in cancer patients. With its relative safety and widespread availability, aspirin could be a valuable addition to existing cancer treatment protocols.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
