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Cancer incidence and mortality not helped with low dose aspirin in older adults

  • 8 hours ago
  • 1 min read

Prior studies have suggested aspirin lowers long-term cancer risk, especially colorectal cancer, but the ASPREE trial (Australia & US-based) in older adults found no reduction in cancer incidence and an unexpected rise in late-stage cancers and cancer mortality1. This study examined 10-year outcomes in more than 19,000 adults aged 70 and older from ASPREE and its observational extension. 


Participants received either low-dose aspirin (100mg) or a placebo. 


Over a median of 8.6 years, aspirin did not reduce overall cancer incidence, cancer stage, or colorectal cancer specifically. However, aspirin was linked to higher cancer-related mortality. In post-trial follow-up of nearly 15,000 cancer-free participants, prior aspirin use showed no association with cancer incidence or mortality, indicating no legacy effect. 


Overall, long-term low-dose aspirin did not prevent cancer in older adults and was associated with increased cancer mortality during treatment.


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