Daily dose of baby aspirin can halve your chances of getting colorectal cancer if you have this condition

Could a pill a day keep polyps at bay?A new study suggests that a daily dose of aspirin could help ward off colorectal cancer in people with a rare genetic disorder that increases their risk of developing the disease. Better yet, British researchers found that low doses of the over-the-counter drug offer the same protection as higher ones — with fewer side effects.The study involved nearly 1,900 people with Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition that significantly raises the risk of several cancers, especially colorectal and endometrial.Though it affects an estimated 1.1 million Americans, fewer than 5% know they carry the genetic mutation, according to the National Cancer Institute.Previous research found that a daily 600 milligram aspirin dose could cut colorectal cancer risk in people with Lynch syndrome by half.However, high doses can cause side effects like stomach pain, ulcers and bleeding, which have made some patients reluctant to continue with the preventive treatment.This time, scientists at Newcastle University in the UK split participants with Lynch syndrome into three groups, each taking 100mg, 300mg or 600mg of aspirin daily for five years.By the end of the study, there were fewer colorectal cancer cases in all three groups, but those taking the lowest dose got the same protection with fewer side effects.“We now have really good evidence that aspirin can prevent bowel cancer in those at a high risk of the disease,” said Dr.

David Crosby, head of prevention and early detection research at Cancer Research UK. The average American’s lifetime risk of colorectal cancer is about 5%, but those with Lynch syndrome face a staggering 40% to 80% risk, according to MD Anderson Cancer Center.The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends that people with Lynch syndrome take aspirin daily to reduce their chances of developing cancer.However, studies show only about 34% follow this advice — often due to concerns about side effects.“Too many peopl...