Links to NCI Materials
Numerous studies have suggested that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin may hold promise in helping to prevent cancer. NSAIDs block cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are produced by the body when there is inflammation and are also produced by precancerous tissues.
This page includes links to information about aspirin and cancer. For information about other NSAIDs under study, see Cyclooxygenase (COX) Inhibitors 1.
General Information
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Cancer Prevention 2
Information from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute.
Aspirin
- Low-Dose Aspirin Fails to Protect Women Against Cancer 3
(Posted: 07/27/2005) - Low-dose aspirin taken every other day failed to protect women from developing cancer, according to results from a 10-year, randomized trial called the Women's Health Study. However, researchers say that more studies are needed to determine whether moderate or high doses of aspirin may yet prove protective. - Lower Breast Cancer Risk With Aspirin Linked to Hormone-Receptor Status 4
Article from the May 25, 2004, issue of the NCI Cancer Bulletin. - Aspirin Use Is Not Associated with Pancreatic Cancer Mortality, Study Reports 5
Article from the Apr. 20, 2004, issue of the NCI Cancer Bulletin. - Novel Aspirin Offers Promise for Colorectal Cancer Prevention 6
Article from the Apr. 5, 2004, issue of the NCI Cancer Bulletin. - Aspirin Protective Against Prostate Cancer, Study Suggests 7
Article from the Mar. 30, 2004, issue of the NCI Cancer Bulletin. - NCI-Funded Clinical Trials Show Aspirin Reduces Recurrence of Polyps 8
(Posted: 03/05/2003) - Taking daily aspirin for as little as three years was shown to reduce the development of colorectal polyps by 19 percent to 35 percent in people at high risk for colorectal cancer in two randomized, controlled clinical trials published in today's New England Journal of Medicine. - Aspirin May Reduce Risk of Colon Polyps 9
(Posted: 04/09/2002, Reviewed: 10/31/2005) - A daily baby aspirin reduced by 19 percent the risk that precancerous polyps (adenomas) in the colon would recur in patients who'd had a previous adenoma surgically removed, researchers reported April 7, 2002, at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting.