A study last year touted the benefits of aspirin for cancer prevention. Looking at many studies combined, it looked like a conversation with your doctor about aspirin might not be a bad idea. But what about lung cancer? Could we say "take 2 aspirin and you may be able to skip calling the lung cancer doctor some morning?"
Researchers gathered the results of studies done to date looking at the role of aspirin in the chemoprevention of lung cancer. Chemoprevention means using a substance such as a medication to prevent cancer from starting in the first place.
The conclusion after looking at the 15 studies was that there was no association between aspirin use and the risk of developing lung cancer - a protective effect of aspirin upon lung cancer was observed in 8 low-quality studies, but not in the 7 high-quality studies reviewed.
What does this mean for you?
Clearly, there are other uses for aspirin outside of lung cancer prevention. If your doctor has suggested using aspirin - by all means don't stop! But if lung cancer prevention has been your only goal, it might be a good time to talk to your doctor and discuss this study.
Further Reading:
- 10 Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Lung Cancer
- Should You Use Aspirin to Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes?
Photo: istockphoto.com
Source:
Oh, S. et al. Aspirin use and risk for lung cancer: a meta-analysis. Annals of Oncology. 2011 Mar 8. (Epub ahead of print).
