An aspirin a day

Reuters health recently reported on the regular use of aspirin as compared to other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It appears that aspirin reduces the incidence of cancer and cancer related death especially among former smokers and those who have never smoked. The non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs include such things as ibuprofen and naproxen which are usually available over-the-counter. When compared to no aspirin use regular aspirin was associated with a 16% lower risk of cancer and a 13% lower risk of cancer death. The correlation was strongest among former smokers and those who have never smoked a cigarette. Aspirin has long been known for protection against coronary heart disease and overall mortality rates the non steroid anti-inflammatories did not show any benefit with regard to heart disease, death mortality or cancer. The study raises intriguing results about the role of aspirin on a daily basis. The use of aspirin should be discussed with your physician. The findings were reported at the hundredth annual gathering of the American Association for Cancer research in Los Angeles. www.aacr.org