From the Journals

Aspirin’s Cancer Promise Questioned

A Cochrane review finds no reduction in colorectal cancer incidence during the first 15 years of aspirin use and confirms increased bleeding risk.

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  • 1

    Daily aspirin has little effect on colorectal cancer incidence in the first 15 years.

  • 2

    There is a noted increase in colorectal cancer mortality in the first 5 to 10 years.

  • 3

    Aspirin increases the risk of serious extracranial hemorrhage.

  • 4

    The trials included over 124,000 participants, mainly older adults.

  • 5

    Future studies are needed to evaluate non-aspirin NSAIDs for colorectal cancer prevention.

  • 6

    Current evidence is insufficient for routine aspirin use in primary CRC prevention.

  • 7

    Individual assessment and shared decision-making are crucial for clinical decisions.

  • 8

    Significant biases risk existed in long-term findings due to treatment crossover.

Original Source(s)

Aspirin’s Cancer Promise Questioned

A Cochrane review finds no reduction in colorectal cancer incidence during the first 15 years of aspirin use and confirms increased bleeding risk.

  • by Kerri Miller

  • February 26, 2026

  • 5 min

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