Researchers with the National Cancer Institute looked at data compiled from 12 large studies that were a part of the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium. And the results were startling, women that took a low-dose aspirin a day had a 20 percent risk reduction for Ovarian Cancer.
The data was based on medical records of 7,776 Ovarian cancer patients and 11,843 cancer-free women and the study was published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute on February 6th.
The results for other women who took non-aspirin NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, as well as acetaminophen (Tylenol) were not as promising. Those who took NSAIDs reduced their risk by a very small percentage, while those on acetaminophen saw no benefits. The percentage, according to the researchers were statistically negligible.
“Our study suggests that aspirin regimens, proven to protect against heart attack, may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer as well,” study co-author Britton Trabert, of the National Cancer Institute’s division of cancer epidemiology tells WebMD. There is currently no recommendation for women to take aspirin to lower cancer risk.
It is possible that since aspirin has anti-inflammatory properties, that this may be why it has a potential in reducing cancer risk. But more research is needed to determine the exact cause.
This year in the United States, Ovarian cancer is expected to be fatal for more than 14,000 women.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that Ovarian Cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in the country and when detected in its early stages, treatment is most effective. For now, researchers warn women to check with their doctors before starting a daily aspirin regimen.
S.C. Rhyne is a blogger and novelist in New York City. Follow the author on twitter @ReporterandGirl or on Facebook.com/TheReporterandTheGirl and visit her website at www.SCRhyne.com
