Asprin for High Risk Colorectal Cancer Patients

Why Aspirin is Important for High-Risk Colorectal Cancer Patients

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious disease that affects the colon and rectum. It is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths. Research shows that aspirin could play a significant role in reducing the risk of developing CRC, especially for those with high lifestyle risk factors. I am Dr. Aaron Workman, a chiropractor at one of the highest rated car accident medical care programs in Lexington, and I want to share a recent study on aspirin and colorectal cancer. Having a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease over the last 20 years, my colon cancer risk is significantly higher, so it is important to share interesting news on the topic when it presents. Let’s talk about this recent study.

What the Study Found:
A recent study published this year in JAMA Oncology, “Aspirin use and Incidence of Colorectal Cancer According to Lifestyle Risk”, involving over 100,000 men and women, tracked for more than 30 years, looked at the relationship between aspirin use and the incidence of CRC. Participants were broken up based on their lifestyle choices. They took things such as diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol, and body weight and divided them into different risk groups.

The study found that regular aspirin use, taking at least two tablets, or 325 mg/week, significantly reduced the risk of developing CRC. One interesting outcome was the unhealthiest participants had the highest benefit for reduction of risk. For instance, those that smoked, had a poor diet, or were overweight had the best reduction in CRC utilizing aspirin versus those with more healthy lifestyles.

The study shows an important point that aspirin’s effectiveness is not the same for everyone. People with unhealthy habits, such as smoking or having a poor diet, saw the greatest benefit from taking aspirin regularly. Those with the least healthy lifestyles had a 1.28% reduction in their 10-year CRC risk, while those with the healthiest lifestyles saw only a 0.11% reduction. In short, aspirin had a much bigger impact on those who needed it the most.

Why Aspirin Helps:
Aspirin is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which is one reason it may help prevent CRC. Inflammation in the body can contribute to the development of cancer, and by reducing this inflammation, aspirin might lower the risk of cancer cells forming and spreading in the colon and rectum.

It is important to remember that aspirin is not for everyone. While it can offer significant benefits, especially for those at higher risk, it also carries potential side effects like gastrointestinal bleeding. This is why it is always important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new types of medicines, especially if it is to curb the risk for CRC. In my particular case, having a disease that is characterized by gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers, the use of aspirin may not be wise.  If you maintain a healthy lifestyle, the benefit from aspirin may not outweigh the risk of secondary problems.

For people at higher risk of this particular cancer, regular aspirin use could be a great tool. It is important to balance these benefits against the risks, which is why discussing your plan with a healthcare provider is very important. By understanding your own risk factors and the potential benefits of aspirin, you can make informed decisions about your health and take proactive steps to protect yourself.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

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