Q: Is there anything I can do to reduce my risk of developing colorectal cancer?
A: Taking aspirin can lessen your risk of developing lesions that sometimes lead to colorectal cancer. People with a high risk for colorectal cancer—especially those who have previously had polyps removed—can reduce their likelihood of developing precancerous lesions by up to 17 percent by taking aspirin on a regular basis for at least a year.
According to a recent study, the risk is also significantly reduced in those who continue to take aspirin after three years. In addition, the study suggests that if you take aspirin for a while and then stop, your risk likely won’t increase much.
However, along with the added benefits of aspirin use, there are also inherent risks. Taking aspirin on an ongoing basis has the potential to bring on gastrointestinal bleeding and heartburn, ulcers in some cases, as well as cardiovascular side effects.
This study provides exciting evidence for chemoprevention or risk reduction by a drug. Hopefully, it will stimulate further and more intensive research into whether other drugs or nutritional factors may reduce one’s individual risk of colorectal cancer. However, no medication or dietary supplement can replace the need for routine screening exams.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. But when it is detected and treated in its earliest stages, colorectal cancer patients can have nearly a 90 percent survival rate. Colorectal cancer screenings are recommended for all adults over age 50, and even earlier for African Americans or persons with additional risk factors such as a family history of colorectal cancer.
For more information on St. Joseph Hospital’s Colorectal Cancer Program, click here. Or, to obtain a free test kit to determine your risk for colon cancer, please call 714-734-6235.
Anita Gregory, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.S.C.R.S., is co-medical director of St. Joseph Hospital’s Colorectal Program and Cancer Genetics Program. She is board certificated in general surgery, colon and rectal surgery and has expertise in hereditary colon cancer syndromes.