Many people are advised to take a daily aspirin as a means of reducing their risk of a cardiovascular event, but that daily aspirin may be offering other health benefits.
Researchers have found that taking two or more of the standard dose of aspirin a week was associated with a 49 percent reduced risk of liver cancer.
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Lead study author Dr. Tracey Simon explained, “Regular use of aspirin led to significantly lower risk of developing [liver cancer], compared to infrequent or no aspirin use. And we also found that the risk declined progressively with increasing aspirin dose and duration of use.”
The researchers analyzed long-term data on aspirin use of over 48,000 women and 87,500 men in the US. Liver cancer risk was 59 percent lower among those who took aspirin regularly for five years.
On the other hand, discontinuing aspirin use led to a decline in risk reduction which completely disappeared after eight years of ceasing to take aspirin.
Other painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen did not reduce the risk of liver cancer.
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Dr. Simon did caution, “Since regular aspirin use carries the risk of increased bleeding, the next step should be to study its impact in populations with established liver disease, since that group is already at risk for primary liver cancer.”
Although liver cancer is still relatively rare, cases have been on the incline in the US over the last 40 years. Aspirin is already recommended as a preventative method for heart disease and colon cancer. Before beginning a routine of daily aspirin, ensure you speak to your doctor about the risks and your health.
Also read: 6 signs that your liver is in trouble
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
