**Can Aspirin Help Protect Against Colorectal Cancers?**
A new study has found that a daily dose of aspirin could help prevent or delay the progression of colorectal cancer, the world’s third most common type of cancer.
**How Does Aspirin Help?**
Aspirin belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are known to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation.
The study, published in the journal CANCER, suggests that aspirin’s protective effects against colorectal cancer may be due to its ability to:
- Reduce inflammation, which is a key factor in the development of many cancers
- Boost the immune system’s ability to detect and target cancer cells
- Inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells
**Impact on Immune Response**
The study found that aspirin users had higher levels of immune cells called CD8+ T cells in their tumors. These cells are known to play a critical role in killing cancer cells.
“Our findings suggest that aspirin may help prevent or slow the progression of colorectal cancer by enhancing the body’s immune response against cancer cells,” said lead researcher Dr. Marco Scarpa of the University of Padova in Italy.
**Implications for Patients**
The study’s findings suggest that long-term daily use of aspirin may be a potential preventive measure against colorectal cancer, especially for individuals at high risk of developing the disease.
“However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal dosage and duration of aspirin use for cancer prevention,” said Dr. Scarpa.
It’s important to note that aspirin can have side effects, including stomach irritation, bleeding, and ulcers. Therefore, individuals should consult with their healthcare provider before taking aspirin regularly for cancer prevention.
**Conclusion**
The new study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that aspirin may have potential benefits in preventing or treating certain types of cancer, including colorectal cancer.
Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and to determine the most effective and safe ways to use aspirin for cancer prevention and therapy.
also read:How does differential splicing of HLA alleles influence immune response?
Divya