Aspirin Reduces Ovarian Cancer Risk

The benefits of a regular aspirin regimen continue to grow as a reduced risk of ovarian cancer is added to the list. Aspirin is commonly known to reduce the risk of heart attack and various cancers, but an exciting new review of data from the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium indicates that aspirin may have another benefit as well.   Ovarian cancer affects over 20,000 women a year in the United States alone, a majority of whom will die from the condition. Typically, the diagnosis tends to occur too late for preventative measures and treatments to be effective. In many cases, the symptoms of ovarian cancer tend to mimic the symptoms of other conditions, like digestive and bladder disorders, which often causes the diagnosis to be missed until it is too late.   The review of patients from the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium indicated that following a regular aspirin regimen can reduce an individual’s risk of ovarian cancer by as much as 20%. During the study it was noted that while the women took a variety of NSAIDs including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, and others, the aspirin users stood out for having a significantly reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer, although data from the other studies weren’t as statistically significant.   Researchers from the National Cancer Institute were clear to state that there are still risks associated with taking NSAIDs, including internal bleeding. However, when taken in moderation at the direction of a physician, following an aspirin regimen may help to prevent ovarian cancer.   Source: http://www.nih.gov/news/health/feb2014/nci-06.htm