Low dose aspirin prevents colon cancer?

Use of low-dose aspirin for 5 years was associated with significantly diminished risk for colon cancer according to a Scottish research study recently published in the Journal of Gastroenterology.  However, uncertainty remains about the dose and duration of use required for NSAIDs to provide a benefit.

Use of low-dose aspirin was associated with diminished risk for colon cancer, which was evident after 1 year and significant after 5 years. The preventive effect seemed to increase until 10 years of intake and then leveled off. Taking low-dose aspirin or NSAIDs reduced relative risk for CRC by 20% to 30%; taking low-dose aspirin plus other NSAIDs reduced relative risk even further, by up to 50%. Use of NSAIDs had no effect.

Patients who take low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular protection or other reasons can expect diminished risk for colon cancer.