Low‐dose aspirin and risk of gastric and oesophageal cancer: a population‐based study in the United Kingdom using The Health Improvement Network
In addition to aspirin’s well known use in preventing cardiovascular disease, there is strong evidence for low-dose aspirin in the prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC). More so, there is increasing interest in the chemoprotective effects of low-dose aspirin against other gastrointestinal cancers, in particular gastric and oesophageal cancer. This study aimed to quantify the association between use of low‐dose aspirin and risk of gastric/oesophageal cancer using a population‐based primary care database in the UK. Examining a cohort of 223 640 new users of low‐dose aspirin (75‐300 mg/day) and a matched cohort of non‐users, the study found that use of daily low‐dose aspirin is associated with a 54% reduced risk of gastric cancer and a 41% reduced risk of oesophageal cancer. This study complements local work by the University of Melbourne on risk-communication for CRC for aspirin users and non-users. Furthermore, a current study, the SITA trial, is developing a decision aid to support informed choice regarding aspirin intake to prevent cancer and other chronic diseases.
University of Melbourne’s risk-communication for CRC study