Scientists looked at many studies to see if taking aspirin every day can stop colon cancer. The result: aspirin is not a fast or reliable way to prevent this disease for most people.
What the research says
Researchers examined ten high‑quality trials that together included 124,837 adults with normal risk for colon cancer. They only studied aspirin because no good trials used other pain relievers.
During the first five to fifteen years of taking aspirin, the chance of getting colon cancer did not go down. Some very long‑term follow‑up hinted at a small benefit after ten to fifteen years, but the evidence was weak and could be biased.
Bleeding problems appear right away
Taking aspirin every day does increase the risk of serious bleeding outside the brain. The chance of a bleeding stroke also goes up. Higher doses are worse, but even low‑dose “baby” aspirin can cause bleeding, especially in older people or those with a history of ulcers.
Who might still benefit?
People with strong family histories, such as those with Lynch syndrome, may get some protection from aspirin. However, the new review focused only on people with average risk, and for them the long‑term benefit is still unclear.
Bottom line
Overall, aspirin’s role in stopping colon cancer is more complicated than once thought. The benefit‑risk balance can change over time, and doctors cannot recommend aspirin for cancer prevention to everyone.
Scientists say the story is not a simple “yes or no.” More research is needed before making a blanket suggestion to take aspirin just to avoid colon cancer.