Aspirin and Cancer Risk

While some individuals already take a daily aspirin to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as a heart attack or stroke, accumulating evidence also suggests that aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) could decrease the risk of a cancer diagnosis or the chance of death from commonly diagnosed cancers. However, studies and clinical trials have been mixed, and many experts believe that any potential cancer prevention benefits of aspirin don’t outweigh the risks of gastrointestinal bleeding and peptic ulcers, particularly in older individuals. Image © Shane Maritch/Shutterstock.com