Aspirin new hope for cancer sufferers?

Posted 25/04/2012

The news has been full of stories about a recent study that reports that daily aspirin can significantly improve survival rates of those already diagnosed with bowel cancer. This follows reports that taking low dose Aspirin has also been shown to reduce the risks of actually contracting a number of cancers.

For years the public were warned that aspirin can be an irritant and it must be stressed that for some it can be the cause of gastric irritation and even internal bleeding. The reports have made it clear that further long term studies are needed before the reported therapeutic effects of aspirin can be fully authenticated and also make it clear that patients should not put themselves on a daily dose without consulting their GP and that those already diagnosed with cancer should take appropriate advice because in certain circumstances taking aspirin might affect other treatments being given.

Trefine Maynard, a medical injury solicitor with Ashtons Legal, says: ‘Cancer is a terrifying diagnosis to be given. The new findings will be very welcome to sufferers and the further research going into treatments together with the increasing survival rates provide much needed positive news. Anyone who has been touched by this disease, and that is a large majority of the population, will be cheered by the indication that there may a relatively easy and cost-effective treatment that can boost survival even after diagnosis, and that may even provide effective preventative treatment.’