Colon and rectal cancer is collectively termed colorectal cancer. A recent study has proved that regular consumption of baby aspirin, i.e., 15 tablets per month before colorectal cancer diagnosis, considerably increases the chances of survival.

Let’s Understand Colorectal Cancer

The large intestine is approximately 5 feet in length and is made of the colon and rectum, which form a part of the digestive system named the GI system of the human body. 

The large intestine can be further divided into two types:

1. Proximal Colon- The uppermost part of the large intestine

  • Ascending Colon is situated at the end of the stomach and connects to the cecum.
  • Transverse Colon goes from right to left, covering the entire abdomen.

2. Distal Colon- The lowest part of the large intestine

  • Descending Colon is where the large intestine starts to go downwards.
  • Sigmoid Colon connects the large intestine to the rectum.

Uncontrollable growth of cells forms polyp-like masses on the inner lining of the colon and rectum, which can result in colorectal cancer over the course of many years.

The cancerous cells grow further, invading the patient’s blood vessels and lymph nodes.

How Can Baby Aspirin Help?

Baby Aspirin is a low dosage tablet that reduces the risk of death in patients affected by colorectal cancer by inhibiting the growth of the polyps.

Tumors are cells that are clumped together due to the high production of an enzyme called thromboxane A2 by the blood platelets. Aspirin destroys the life-cycle of these platelets by thinning the blood and deactivates the production of the enzyme that promotes colorectal cancer.

The said study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute monitored around 2500 participants till December 2016 who enrolled themselves in 1992 or 1993.

The participants who consumed aspirin and non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) showed that all the participants did get colorectal cancer. But it was observed that the patients who consumed aspirin regularly had higher chances of survival as their tumors never metastasized at the same speed as non-aspirin consumers.

Important Points to Keep In Mind

  • Baby Aspirin may be a low dose but is still a medicine.
  • Aspirin is a blood thinner. Therefore, never consume them without consulting a doctor. 
  • It can cause internal bleeding and allergies that didn’t exist earlier.
  • Consuming the tablet after diagnosis of colorectal cancer didn’t show the same amount of success.
  • The study is still under trial, and the exact relationship between the medicine and mortality rate is not found in patients affected by colorectal cancer.
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Ashley completed her degree with nutrition as her major. She loves sharing her knowledge with others and playing with words. After struggling for almost a year to find a job that could make her feel lively, she ended up as a freelance writer. Ashley writes health-related blogs and articles. She makes sure that her works always stand unique and are useful for everyone. Ashley is also a YouTuber who shares health-related videos. She knows the value of the right information and how it can be beneficial to others. Therefore, her only motto is to provide accurate information. If Ashley sounds like that neighbor who you can ask for health tips, take a look at her works.