A new case-control study from Denmark confirms low-dose aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Several previous epidemiologic studies have shown an inverse association between regular aspirin use and colorectal cancer risk. In this new study, patients with first-time colorectal cancer were compared with population-controlled participants for use of low-dose aspirin or NSAIDs. Among more than 10,000 case patients and more than 100,000 controlled participants, those with continuous long-term use of low-dose aspirin had an odds ratio (OR) of colorectal cancer of 0.73 (27% reduction; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-0.99). High-intensity long-term use of NSAIDs was associated with a substantial reduction in risk of 43% (OR, 0.57; CI, 0.44-0.74). Data were not available for over-the-counter use of aspirin or NSAIDs. The authors concluded long-term continuous use of low-dose aspirin and long-term use of non-aspirin NSAIDs was associated with reduced colorectal cancer risk. They suggest a reduction of prostaglandin production via inhibition of COX enzymes is the likely mechanism for the antineoplastic effect of the drugs (Ann Intern Med 2015;163:347-355).
Long-term continuous use of low-dose aspirin and long-term use of non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories was associated with reduced colorectal cancer risk.
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