On Tuesday researchers revealed that aspirin — the little white pill we all take for granted — could be a breakthrough medicine in the fight against cancer. But with serious health risks also linked to its long-term use, what do the findings really mean? Fiachra Ó Cionnaith reports

Healthy people should be encouraged to take a daily dose of aspirin to ward off cancer, according to the leader of a new study highlighting the drug’s benefits.

Long-term use of aspirin by healthy people significantly reduces the risk of developing major cancers, mostly affecting the digestive tract, and dying from them.

People in their 40s could reduce their risk of cancer in later life with a regular dose of aspirin, it was claimed today.