Colon Cancer Prevention: Can Aspirin Help?

LEWISVILLE, Texas - April 3, 2015 - PRLog -- A new study making headlines shows a link between regular aspirin consumption, certain genetic traits and the reduction of colon cancer development. The findings, however, are very preliminary and don’t necessarily indicate that aspirin is a magic solution for this rather common form of cancer, says Dr. Gregory Echt, the founder and lead surgeon of the Lewisville Flower Mound team.

“While preliminary results are promising, much more study needs to be done to determine if aspirin consumption truly leads to a reduction in colon cancer development,” Dr. Echt says. “While the latest study results showed a 30 percent reduction of chances of developing colorectal cancer for frequent aspirin users over nonusers, most in the medical community are stopping short of recommending this course of action for prevention for very good reasons.”

Frequent use of aspirin may lead to intestinal bleeding and is also linked with a higher risk for bleeding and bruising overall. While low-dose aspirin usage is helpful for preventing some conditions, a more standard course of action is likely the better course for preventing colon cancer, Dr. Echt says.

As the scientific jury remains out on aspirin’s link to colon cancer prevention, Dr. Echt recommends people try these more proven measures for reducing their risks:

·         Altering diet – Eating a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can decrease the risk of colorectal cancer formation.

·         Exercise – Inactivity has been linked to this disease’s development. Getting active for at least 30 minutes a day, several days a week can make a difference.

·         Losing weight – If obesity is a problem, shedding pounds in a healthy manner can lower risks.

·         Quitting smoking – Long-term smokers are at a higher risk for colon cancer formation than non-smokers.

“Our cancer care team stays on the cutting-edge of research to pass along new information to our patients as it becomes available,” says Dr. Echt. “Aspirin therapy may one day prove itself a viable course of action for prevention of colorectal cancer, but as research continues, we recommend people interested in lowering their risks take more traditional courses of action to do so.”

About Lewisville Flower Mound-

The Lewisville Flower Mound Oncology Group is a division of Choice Cancer Care. From its state-of-the-art facility, the practice provides patients and their families’ access to cutting-edge care from practitioners who care about their patients as people. For more information you can visit http://lewisvilleflowermoundoncology.com