Study: Aspirin could reduce breast cancer risk

TAKING drugs like aspirin regularly could significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer, according to a recent report.

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cut the incidence of the cancer by 20%, said the review of 21 studies into the issue over the past 27 years.

Such drugs could also help treat women who already have breast cancer, said Professor Ian Fentiman of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London, who compiled the study.

“NSAIDs may offer protection against developing breast cancer and may provide a useful addition to the treatment available to women who already have the disease,” he said.

“Recent studies of NSAIDs use have shown about a 20% risk reduction in the incidence of breast cancer, but this benefit may be confined to aspirin use alone.”

The review, published by the International Journal of Clinical Practice, was based on 11 studies of women who had breast cancer and 10 comparing women who did and did not have the disease.

Prof Fentiman warned more research needs to be done on the exact type of drug, as well as how it is administered.

Previous studies have suggested aspirin can reduce the threat of bowel cancer, but the review is thought to be the first to say it can also cut the risk of breast cancer.

Research last year suggested regularly taking aspirin can reduce the risk of a form of skin cancer by 90%, ovarian cancer by 40% and prostate cancer by 20%.

Millions of heart disease and stroke survivors take aspirin because it thins the blood and can stop a repeat attack. This thinning means it can also protect against deep-vein thrombosis.

Research has also shown arthritis sufferers who take aspirin are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

It also reduces the risk of preeclampsia, a life-threatening complication of pregnancy.