Newcastle University: Aspirin a day keeps bowel cancer at bay
- Global Research Partnerships
- Jun 24
- 1 min read
Taking a single, small dose of aspirin a day can prevent bowel cancer in people at high risk of the disease, according to the results of a major clinical trial.
The Colorectal Adenoma/Carcinoma Prevention Programme 3 (CaPP3) trial, led by Professor Sir John Burn at Newcastle University and funded by Cancer Research UK, has found that taking a low daily dose of aspirin reduces bowel cancer risk in people with Lynch syndrome.
Higher doses of aspirin have previously been shown to prevent bowel cancer. In the CaPP2 trial, also led by Professor Burn, it was identified that a 600mg daily dose of aspirin for people with Lynch syndrome cut the risk of bowel cancer in half.
The CaPP3 trial highlights that the lower daily dose of 75-100mg works just as well as higher doses in cutting bowel cancer risk in people with Lynch syndrome – a rare genetic condition that substantially increases the risk of cancers, such as bowel, womb, ovarian and prostate.
Professor of Clinical Genetics at Newcastle University and lead investigator of the CaPP3 trial, Professor Sir John Burn, said: “For 30 years, scientists have observed fewer cancers in people who take aspirin.
“The CaPP3 trial now tells us that aspirin can prevent bowel cancer at lower doses, minimising the chances of side-effects whilst offering vital protection for people with Lynch syndrome.
“However, only a quarter of people with Lynch syndrome are currently taking aspirin. Too many people are missing out on a potentially life-changing opportunity to prevent cancer.
