A new study has reveal that aspirin - which costs about 1.5p per pill - could play a role in better survival rates for colon cancer patients.
Using previous research that suggested low doses of aspirin may improve the odds, the study looked at 999 patients. Although precisely what aspirin's anti-cancer effect may be is unknown, previous data suggest that aspirin may prevent the cancer from spreading to other organs in the body and the lymph nodes.
Colon cancer is a type of cancer than often is diagnosed too late, so any research around survival is critical.
Marlies S. Reimers, M.D at the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands led the team.
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5 Colonoscopy Myths: Busted
Myth #1: The "Prep" Will Be Horrible(01 of05)
Open Image ModalYes, you have to empty your colon, but no, it shouldn't be a horrible experience. The most common patient complaint isn't about time in the bathroom or the actual colonoscopy; it's about how much they had to drink. If you have difficulty drinking a large volume of liquid, ask about using one of the newer low-volume options. They are equally effective and easier on people who can't drink a lot of liquid at one time. Follow all instructions, including eating a liquid diet (broth, jello, juice) the day before your colonoscopy. Remember: the cleaner your colon, the better the physician can detect polyps, which is, after all, why you're there. (credit:Alamy)
Myth #2: It Will Hurt(02 of05)
Open Image ModalActually, it shouldn't. Prior to the procedure, patients are given a combination of a narcotic and sedative called "conscious sedation." About 95 percent of patients sleep through the entire procedure and wake up with no memory of the experience. About five percent of people experience cramping, and state that it felt similar to the urge to have a bowel movement. If you are worried about discomfort, or have any fear related to the procedure, please tell your nurse or physician. They can help alleviate your fear and discuss options with you. Additionally, if you are uncomfortable being sedated, or have side effects related to sedation, your physician can perform the procedure without sedation. However, it is less stressful and more comfortable for the vast majority of patients to utilize conscious sedation for a colonoscopy. If fear is keeping you from scheduling your colonoscopy, consider a virtual colonoscopy. The prep procedure is the same, but a virtual colonoscopy is done in an external CT scanner instead of with an internal scope, and is done without sedation. (credit:Alamy)
Myth #3: I'm Too Embarrassed(03 of05)
Open Image ModalPhysicians realize that a colonoscopy is one of the most invasive tests most people will ever experience. They do everything possible to ensure the most private, respectful and modest experience for every patient. Some people are more comfortable choosing a male (or female) physician to perform their colonoscopy. It is also helpful to remember that our physicians perform thousands of colonoscopies a year, and consider the colon the same way they consider any other organ. These experts chose this field due to its good mix of medicine and their ability to perform technically challenging procedures. It is also one of the fields in medicine where physicians have the ability to immediately impact a person's life by eliminating or vastly reducing the possibility of cancer. This is important work, and our team wants to make you comfortable. (credit:Alamy)
Myth #4: There Could be Complications(04 of05)
Open Image ModalThere is a very low risk of complications during a colonoscopy. Fewer than one in one thousand (less than .1 percent) of UW Health patients experience any type of complication. In fact, your chance of getting colon cancer is much higher. One in 20 people will get colon cancer in their lifetime, and one-third of people diagnosed with colon cancer will die from the disease. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women. It is important to schedule your colonoscopy with a physician who is certified to perform the procedure. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), a leading gastrointestinal medical society, has recognized the UW Hospital and Clinics Ambulatory Procedure Center and the Madison Surgery Center as part of its program specifically dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy. The ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program honors endoscopy units that follow the ASGE guidelines on privileging, quality assurance, endoscope reprocessing and CDC infection control guidelines; and have completed specialized training on principles in quality and safety in endoscopy. Additionally, every one of our physician's adenomatous polyp detection rate (the rate at which suspicious polyps are found and removed) exceeds the national standard. (credit:Shutterstock)
Myth #5: You Don't Need a Colonoscopy Until You Have Symptoms(05 of05)
Open Image ModalPlease don't wait to schedule your colonoscopy. The vast majority of colon cancers are found in patients who did not have any pain or other symptoms. Following the national recommendations for scheduling a colonoscopy helps physicians find polyps early, before they develop into cancer. Unless you have previous symptoms, schedule your first colonoscopy at age 50 and then follow your doctor's recommendation for repeat procedures. The risks of not having a colonoscopy far outweigh these concerns. Review the screening guidelines and contact your primary care provider and request a referral for a colonoscopy. (credit:Getty Images)
The researchers assessed the tissue samples for expression of HLA (human leukocyte antigen) class I antigens and prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), which are types of proteins.
Most patients had colon cancer diagnosed at stage 3 or lower and the information around their aspirin use came from a prescription database.
Out of the 999 patients, 182 (18.2 %) were aspirin users and among them there were 69 deaths (37.9%). There were 396 deaths among 817 nonusers of aspirin (48.5%).
The conclusion was that aspirin did contribute to a better survival rate, but this was strongest in patients who had the HLA I antigen expression.
In a related commentary, Alfred I. Neugut, M.D., Ph.D., of Columbia University, New York, wrote: "When one sees a patient newly diagnosed as having cancer, after finishing the initial discussion and treatment plan, it is almost inevitable that the patient or a family member will inquire, "What else should he (or she) do?"
"For my own patients, I have so far not recommended aspirin [for colon cancer]. But I think based on current evidence, that if I personally had a stage 3 tumor, I would add aspirin to my...therapy. And if I feel that way for myself, should I not convey that to my patients?" Neugut continues.