According to a new study in the USA, Aspirin may offer a powerful way to help breast cancer patients survive the disease, An analysis of data collected from 4,164 breast cancer patients participating in the well-known, highly respected Nurses’ Health Study found that those who took aspirin regularly were about half as likely as those who did not to die from the malignancy. They were also about half as likely to have their cancer spread elsewhere in their bodies, according to a paper published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Previous studies examining whether aspirin use may reduce the risk of getting diagnosed with breast cancer in the first place have produced mixed results. One earlier study found that people with colon cancer who took aspirin lived longer than those who did not. The new study is the largest to examine whether aspirin could help women who had already been diagnosed with breast cancer.
It remains unclear how aspirin may have this benefit. But researchers suspect it may be due to the drug’s ability to reduce inflammation in the body.
MIchelle Holmes of the Harvard School of Public Health, who led the study, cautioned that more research is needed to confirm the findings before recommending that breast cancer patients take aspirin to increase their chances of surviving.
While the study was big and well conducted, it is an “observational” study, which means it can only suggest relationships, not prove them. The only way to do that would be to give some women aspirin and others a placebo and follow them over time to see if it works.
Several other experts concurred, noting that although aspirin is available over the counter and used casually, it can have serious side effects, most notably increasing the risk for dangerous bleeding.
But the findings suggest that women who are already taking aspirin regularly, perhaps to reduce their risk for heart attacks, may be getting yet another benefit.
In the study, a total of 400 women had their cancer spread elsewhere in their bodies and 341 of these women died of breast cancer compared to those who did not take aspirin. Women who took aspirin two to five days a week had a 60 percent reduced risk of metastasis and a 71 percent lower risk of breast cancer death. Those who took aspirin six or seven days a week had a 43 percent reduce risk of metastasis and a 64 percent lower risk of breast cancer death.
The researchers did not have data on the amount of aspirin the women took. But those who took it regularly probably took it to protect themselves against heart disease and the typical dose for that is 81 milligrams a day.”(February 19th 2010, msnbc.com)
The results of this study are very exciting, and if the aspirin effect is proven to be true, then it must certainly be a very relevant breakthrough in cancer treatment and prevention.
As aspirin and other NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) drugs are available without a prescription, then anyone may commence themselves on this medication, however you are advised to seek the guidance of your doctor before commencing any long term treatment.
Aspirin and other NSAID’s can cause stomach irritation, so it is wise to take an enteric coated form of the medication in order to decrease this side effect.
Aspirin also decreases the “stickiness” of platelets (the blood clotting factors) in the blood. This is why aspirin is prescribed following a heart attack or a stroke. Having blood that does not clot as easily can work against you however, if you contract diseases that can cause bleeding such as Dengue fever.
Important information about aspirin
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. Symptoms include black, bloody, or tarry stools, and coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medication. Alcohol may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.
Aspirin is sometimes used to treat or prevent heart attacks, strokes, and chest pain (angina). Aspirin should be used for cardiovascular conditions only under the supervision of a doctor.
Before taking aspirin
Aspirin should not be given to a child or teenager who has a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms or chicken pox. Aspirin can cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called Reye’s syndrome in children. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to aspirin, or if you have:
a recent history of stomach or intestinal bleeding;
a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia; or
an allergy to an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Orudis, Indocin, Lodine, Voltaren, Toradol, Mobic, Relafen, Feldene, and others.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take aspirin:
asthma or seasonal allergies;
stomach ulcers;
liver disease;
kidney disease;
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
heart disease, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure;
gout; or
nasal polyps.
If you are taking aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, avoid also taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Ibuprofen may make this medication less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels. If you must use both medications, take the ibuprofen at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after you take the aspirin (non-enteric coated form). This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby’s heart, and may also reduce birth weight or have other dangerous effects. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are taking this medication. Aspirin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Kim Patra is a qualified registered nurse and midwife who has been living and working in Bali for almost 20 years. She now runs her own private practice and medical referral service from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns with you and she may be contacted via e-mail at info@chcbali.com or Hp. 081 2366 0000.
