 |
|
Regular, long-term aspirin use reduces risk of colorectal cancer
January 23, 2008The use of regular, long-term aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduces the risk associated with colorectal cancer, according to a study published in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute. However, the use of aspirin for chemoprevention of colorectal cancer may require using the drug at doses that are higher than recommended over a long period of time, which may cause serious side effects including gastrointestinal bleeding.
"While the results of our study show that aspirin should not currently be recommended for the chemoprevention of colorectal cancer in a healthy population, there is a need for further studies to help identify for which patients the potential benefits outweigh the risks," according to Andrew T. Chan, MD, MPH, Massachusetts General Hospital and lead author of the study. "We also need to improve our understanding of how aspirin works to prevent and inhibit the formation of colorectal cancer."
Study participants were enrolled in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, a large prospective cohort study which has provided detailed and updated information on aspirin use.
Researchers found that men who used aspirin regularly experienced a significantly lower risk of colorectal cancer, including distal colon cancer, proximal colon cancer and rectal cancer, even after controlling for other risk factors. The reduction in risk was seen in both early (stage I/II) and advanced (stage III/IV) colorectal cancers. There were 975 documented cases of colorectal cancer over 761,757 person-years, among the 47,636 eligible men. Participants who reported regular aspirin use, equal to or more than twice a week, were older, more likely to have smoked, used multivitamins and folate, and consumed slightly more alcohol.
In an average-risk population of men, results showed that the benefit of aspirin was not apparent until after more than five years of use. The greatest reduction in risk was observed at cumulative doses of more than 14 standard tablets (325 mg) per week, which is higher than normally recommended. The benefit of aspirin use appears to diminish less than four years after stopping use and is not evident after four to five years of discontinued use.
The Health Professionals Follow-up Study has been conducted on 51,529 U.S. male dentists, optometrists, osteopaths, podiatrists, pharmacists and veterinarians, who returned a mailed health questionnaire in 1986. The questionnaire included questions about diet, aspirin use and medical diagnoses, including cancer. The biennial questionnaires ask for updated information including cancer diagnoses and aspirin use. The participants were between 40 and 75 years of age when the study began.
This year an estimated 147,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 56,500 will die from this disease, with an approximate 1-in-18 lifetime probability of developing colorectal cancer.
American Gastroenterological Association
Researchers found that men who used aspirin regularly experienced a significantly lower risk of colorectal cancer, including distal colon cancer, proximal colon cancer and rectal cancer, even after controlling for other risk factors. The reduction in risk was seen in both early (stage I/II) and advanced (stage III/IV) colorectal cancers. There were 975 documented cases of colorectal cancer over 761,757 person-years, among the 47,636 eligible men. Participants who reported regular aspirin use, equal to or more than twice a week, were older, more likely to have smoked, used multivitamins and folate, and consumed slightly more alcohol.
In an average-risk population of men, results showed that the benefit of aspirin was not apparent until after more than five years of use. The greatest reduction in risk was observed at cumulative doses of more than 14 standard tablets (325 mg) per week, which is higher than normally recommended. The benefit of aspirin use appears to diminish less than four years after stopping use and is not evident after four to five years of discontinued use.
The Health Professionals Follow-up Study has been conducted on 51,529 U.S. male dentists, optometrists, osteopaths, podiatrists, pharmacists and veterinarians, who returned a mailed health questionnaire in 1986. The questionnaire included questions about diet, aspirin use and medical diagnoses, including cancer. The biennial questionnaires ask for updated information including cancer diagnoses and aspirin use. The participants were between 40 and 75 years of age when the study began.
This year an estimated 147,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 56,500 will die from this disease, with an approximate 1-in-18 lifetime probability of developing colorectal cancer.
American Gastroenterological Association
Colorectal Cancer News and Current Colorectal Cancer Events RSSStudy confirms colorectal cancer screening should start at age 50
Colorectal adenomas, the precursor polyps in virtually all colorectal cancers, occur infrequently in younger adults, but the rate sharply increases after age 50.
PET scans lead to treatment changes in majority of colorectal cancer patients
In the largest multi-institutional study to date examining the impact of positron emission tomography (PET) in changing disease management of individuals with suspected recurrent colorectal cancer, researchers found that treatment plans were changed for more than half of patients.
Obesity raises risks of serious digestive health concerns
The prevalence of obesity and overweight in the United States coupled by the increased risk of gastrointestinal diseases related to obesity raises serious implications for the health of Americans.
Bowel cancer indicator should lead to better treatment
STEM cell scientists have developed a more accurate way of identifying aggressive forms of bowel cancer, which should eventually lead to better treatment and survival rates.
Stem cell indicator for bowel cancer should lead to better survival rates
Stem cell scientists have developed a more accurate way of identifying aggressive forms of bowel cancer, which should eventually lead to better treatment and survival rates. Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK.
Scientists discover major genetic cause of colorectal cancer
About one-third of colorectal cancers are inherited, but the genetic cause of most of these cancers is unknown. The genes linked to colorectal cancer account for less than 5 percent of all cases.
Perceived discrimination affects screening rates
Minority men and women who perceived discrimination from their health care providers were less likely to be screened for colorectal or breast cancer, according to a report in the August issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
First worldwide analysis of cancer survival finds wide variation between countries
Cancer survival varies widely between countries according to a worldwide study published online today in Lancet Oncology.* More than 100 investigators contributed to the study.
'Smothered' genes combine with mutations to yield poor outcome in cancer patients
Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center researchers have identified a set of genes in breast and colon cancers with a deadly combination of traditional mutations and "smothered" gene activity that may result in poor outcomes for patients.
Protein thought to promote cancer instead functions as a tumor suppressor, researchers report
A protein previously thought to promote colorectal cancer instead suppresses the growth of human cancer cells in culture, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found.
More Colorectal Cancer News Articles
 | American Cancer Society's Complete Guide to Colorectal Caner by American Cancer Society Don't die of embarrassment--get informed about colorectal cancer Although colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women, you may be unaware of your risk and don't know what you can do to prevent this serious disease. You may be too embarrassed to ask your doctor about changes in your bowel habits or get screened for colorectal cancer. American Cancer Society's Complete... |
 | Mayo Clinic on Digestive Health, Second Edition |
 | Positive Options for Colorectal Cancer: Self-Help and Treatment by Carol Ann Larson Colorectal cancer develops slowly over a period of several years, undetected, usually as polyps. It is a preventable and treatable disease if caught in time, yet most know little about how to read its symptoms. Written for the layperson, this book covers all the uncomfortable questions and answers about the disease, from prevention and warning signs, to screening and diagnosis techniques, to... |
 | What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About(TM) Colorectal Cancer: New Tests, New Treatments, New Hope (What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About...) by Mark Bennett Pochapin The latest edition in the bestselling What Your Doctor May Not Tell You series explodes the myths and misconceptions about the third most common-and second most deadly-form of cancer in the United States. Over 50,000 men and women die from colorectal cancer each year-a particularly alarming statistic since it is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers. In fact, it is estimated that... |
 | Be a Survivor: Colorectal Cancer Treatment Guide (Be a Survivor) by Vladimir Lange Dr. Lange's comprehensive overview of cancer and treatment options offers detailed information using simple, concise language and a wide variety of color photos and drawings. Colorectal cancer patients need to know more about their disease, yet there is an overload of information. Be a Survivor gives the patient the specific, reliable and necessary information to make good decisions about their... |
 | Modern Management of Cancer of the Rectum Modern Management of Cancer of the Rectum is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of all aspects of rectal neoplasms. It addresses such topics as epidemiology, biology, screening and chemoprevention, the role of imaging in diagnosis, staging and prognosis, radiation therapy, medical and surgical treatment, as well as new modalities of therapy, including laparoscopy, and transanal... |
 | If the Battle is Over, Why am I Still in Uniform? by Brenda Elsagher This story follows a 39-year-old woman through a diagnosis of colorectal cancer and subsequent surgery, with a look at her daily trials in a humorous and honest... |
 | Fluoropyrimidines in Cancer Therapy (Cancer Drug Discovery and Development) Leading cancer researchers update and review the mechanisms of action and the therapeutic selectivity and efficacy of 5-FU with and without leucovorin and its prodrugs in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Among the combination agents considered are UFT/LV, 5-FU/EU, capecitabine (Xeloda), S-1, and a variety of thymidylate synthase inhibitors. The authors discuss the potential advantages and... |
 | Virtual Colonoscopy: A Practical Guide (Medical Radiology) Virtual colonoscopy, or CT colonography, is a novel and rapidly evolving technique for the detection of tumoral lesions in the colon. It promises to be of great value as a screening tool for both colorectal cancer and its adenomatous precursor. With contributions from several leaders in the field, this book addresses all the important issues relating to virtual colonoscopy. There is a particular... |
 | 100 Questions & Answers About Colorectal Cancer by David Bub, Susannah Rose, Douglas Wong This book is a patient-oriented guide to dealing with colorectal cancer. A question and answer format is used to cover many topics related to this... |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |