An A&E doctor says recent research has convinced him that we should be taking a cheap pill, commonly available over the counter, every day. Dr Rob Galloway says he takes it himself, and recommends others do as well.
Dr Galloway told MailOnline his view had changed in the last few months after reading new evidence in the journal Cancer. He said aspirin, derived from willow bark, is a natural painkiller and clot-preventer.
And he said new evidence suggests it can reduce the risk of some types of cancer, and increase cancer survival risks by up to 20 per cent. That means the benefits could outweigh the slightly higher risk of developing stomach bleeding if you take aspirin regularly or take too much.
A review in the British Journal of Cancer, from Cardiff University, based on evidence from 118 projects looking at the impact of aspirin on 18 different types of cancer, showed a 20% drop in the risk of death from cancer, and any other illness, for people taking aspirin.
And the latest study in the journal Cancer found that bowel cancer was less likely to spread in those taking aspirin.
Dr Galloway said: “You must consult your doctor about this, but I believe the default position should be that if you have cancer, you should be on aspirin.”
He said you should not take aspirin if you are on blood thinners and over 70 there’s a higher risk of stomach bleeds. Dr Galloway added: “Aspirin can help slow the spread of cancer and my view is that the benefits of a 75mg dose are far greater than the risks and it’s something to ask your GP about, if you or any loved ones are in this position.”
The charity Cancer Care UK is running a trial to see if aspirin can prevent cancer coming back. However, a study from 2018 showed that if people start taking aspirin over the age of 70 it can increase the risks of cancer.
Dr Galloway said: “I plan to continue my new daily 75mg aspirin until aged 70 I’m at higher risk of bowel cancer because of a strong family history and I have the inflammatory gut condition, ulcerative colitis, which also raises the risk.”
“So do speak to your doctor about what’s appropriate for you do not self-medicate.”