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.
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.
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