“Aspirin’” to be a Hero

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March 1, 2010 • Kayleigh Loeffler  
Filed under Bucs Life

            Since its discovery in the 1930’s, Aspirin has become the ultimate wonder drug.  It can stop headaches, prevent blood from clotting, and reduce fevers with just one tiny pill and a glass of water.  For some people over the age of forty, doctors may even have patients take one Aspirin a day as a way to prevent heart disease and other such circulatory problems.  With all it has to offer, it’s not much of a surprise that, according to recent research, the little capsule might be able to cure cancer.

            In a study conducted at the University of Newcastle, scientists placed doses of Aspirin in contact with cells that create blood vessels.  They found that, in small doses, the acids in Aspirin actually prevented the creation of new blood vessels.

            So what does this have to do with cancer?  In order for a tumor to grow and thrive, blood vessels are needed to transport nutrients and oxygen, and also enable it to spread throughout the body.  Without them, a tumor can grow to be no larger than a pea.  If the creation of new blood vessels is hindered or stopped completely, the tumor is “suffocated” and prevented from growing any larger. This, essentially, is what is believed Aspirin may be able to do.  If it can stop the growth of the blood vessels, it may be able to slow the disease or destroy it altogether. 

            Aspirin’s effects on prevention have been openly visible as well.  Women with breast cancer who took the drug 3-5 times a week were found to have cut their risk of dying by 71 percent and the risk of spreading by 60 percent.  Those who took it 6-7 times a week cut their risks by 60 percent, while the risk of reoccurring dropped by 43 percent.  In patients who were receiving treatment for colon cancer, the risk of the cancer returning was lowered by 50% by 75 of those that took Aspirin regularly, compared to those who didn’t. 

            However, while the benefits of Aspirin may appear to be substantial, it should not replace regular cancer treatment.  Doctors warn that repeated use of Aspirin and other pain-killers like it can cause stomach irritation, which can lead to ulcers and even fatal bleeding.

            The benefits that Aspirin provides are extensive and well-appreciated.  While doctors continue to work at finding a cure for cancer, this little drug can help patients along the way to stay healthy and survive such a debilitating disease.