Farhat V.N. Din and associates of the University of Edinburgh, have discovered that a daily low dose of aspirin can decrease the risk of colorectal cancer by a third.
One year later, patients who had taken 75mg of aspirin daily, decrease the risk for colon cancer by 13 percent and after a five year span it is reduced to 37 percent, reported by researchers online at Gut.
75mg of aspirin is a lower dose than that of baby aspirin.
Studies of epidemiological have revealed that aspirin and other NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti- inflammatory medications like aspirin and ibuprofen) decrease the occurrence of colorectal cancer about 40 percent, this study is upheld by some even though it is not a randomized trail.
The researchers had wrote the main discovery in their case controlled study revealed that 75mg of aspirin is linked to a lower occurrence of colorectal cancer in the general populace.
In some past studies it was advocated that higher amounts could be needed in the case of prevention. However, these researchers have provided encouragement that lower does can provide decreased risks of value.
Currently, aspirin is not suggested for main chemo prevention of colorectal cancer. This is due to no specific answers on dosages, length of use and outcome rates of survival.
In order to examine these questions, Din and fellow researchers in relation to cancer had recruited 2,279 cases and 2,907 matched control ages 16 to 79 years old, who completed a survey on medications being used, life style and history of cancer.
Examination of the information concluded primarily, that the chances for colorectal cancer was lower in of those who used any NSAID related to those who did not use any NSAID, this included adjusting for elements such as age, sex, and physical activity levels.
The reversed link between the use of 75mg aspirin and colorectal cancer was shown in both sexes but was only substantial in men.
There was no guarded outcome of aspirin or NSAID,s in all cases of mortality in close to the five year follow up. There was also no effect on colorectal cancer mortality.
The deficiency of outcome of survival possibly could be associated to the sample size or time limits of taking the aspirin.
In the cases of those taking aspirin or NSAID’s, 224 deaths occurred, six of them possibly associated to the medication, one gastrointestinal bleed and five cerebrovascular accidents.
In the cases of those not taking aspirin or any NSAID’s, 486 deaths occurred with three gastrointestinal bleeds and three cerebrovascular accidents.
It is noted that there is no difference between those taking medications and those not in the area of death concerning gastrointestinal bleed however, the ability to detect an accident may have been inadequate.
The strengthens in this study have included its potential method, matched controls and its representing the populace at large and not only within high risk groups.
On week point in the study was researchers had no knowledge if the cases had continued in taking aspirin or NSAIDs after being diagnosed with cancer which restricts the outcomes that can be concluded. Also, plasma of the medications were not measured.
The researchers do remark that their findings are acceptable to the general populace, and they do request a better influenced randomized trails to further clearer outcomes of survival.
Colorectal is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States today. In the United States it is the third leading cause of death. For this year there is an estimated 102,900 new cases of colorectal cancer that will be diagnosed.
Some symptoms of the cancer can include:
none at all
change in bowl habits
constipation
blood in stool usually bright or dark red
abdominal discomfort or bloating
extreme fatigue
Unfortunately, in many cases colon cancer can be in the advanced stages before it ever gets diagnosed. The most sufficient prevention for this cancer is early detection.
Numerous world health organizations have set suggestive guidelines for screening:
Digital Rectal Exam and Stool Occult Blood Testing
For all persons over 40 years of age.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy and Colonoscopy
To start at age 50 and is suggested every three to five years.
Gentic Counseling and Testing
Currently there are blood tests for FAP, AFAP, MYH, and HNPCC hereditary colon cancer syndromes.
Families who have several members having colon cancer, with multiple polyps, having cancer at young ages or having cancers of ureters, uterus etc. should seek genetic counseling and possibly genetic testing.
There are some things you can do to aide in prevention:
Diet
Diets which are high in fiber and fruits have been associated with lower risks of colon cancer. The American Cancer Society suggests the following:
Pick foods and beverages in amounts that help you arrive at and maintain a healthy weight.
Consume five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
Consume whole grains in lieu of refined grains.
Limit consumption of processed and red meats.
There have been several studies which advocate taking a daily multivitamin which has folic acid or folate. Studies in general are 50/50. Research still needs to be done to see if it actually does aide in prevention.
Vitamin D has been advocated in numerous studies which can be obtained through food or supplements. You can also receive it from sunlight however, over exposure can lead to skin cancer.
In take of calcium has been shown in some studies. Remember to limit calcium to only 1,500mg each day until further research is completed.
There have been a couple studies showing an association between the cancer and magnesium especially in women. Research is being done to verify this association.
A study released this year from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in Research, had shown that Omega 3 Fatty Acids like those found in salmon may aide in the prevention of colon cancer. A high intake of these fatty acids can decrease risk by up to 40%.
Exercise
Dutch researchers conducted a vital study which showed that exercise can aide in the prevention of colon cancer.
Aerobic exercise has been shown to cut down risks with strokes and heart disease in men and women.
Strength training exercises have also been recommended for three to five times a week in 30 to 60 minute sessions.
Cardio exercises also are powerful when it comes to health benefits including burning fat calories faster, prevention for heart disease, lowers blood pressure and some cancer risks including colon.
If your not sure you are at a proper weight there is a BMI (body mass index) calculator on line at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.Sources:
ABC News
American Cancer Society
EMax Health
Empower Her
Natural News
Quality Health
