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A daily regimen of low dose aspirin probably does not significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer but may increase the risk of bleeding in the brain area, according to a large-scale analysis of previous research.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Researchers reported that daily aspirin probably does not help in preventing colorectal cancer<\/a> in the first 15 years of use, although it might have some preventive benefits in the longer term.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n However, the researchers stated that they are \u201cnot confident\u201d in the long-term assessment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n They also reported that daily aspirin use may increase deaths from colorectal cancer in the short term but may help reduce deaths after 15 years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Again, the researchers noted they are \u201cnot confident\u201d in these conclusions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n They did report that daily aspirin use may increase the risk of bleeding outside the skull as well as bleeding in and around the brain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cIt is not possible to draw definitive conclusions or outline specific implications for the routine use of aspirin for [colorectal cancer] primary prevention based on the current evidence,\u201d the researchers wrote. \u201cOur findings reveal complex, time\u2010dependent preventive effects and concerns about potential harms for clinicians and patients to consider.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Ketan Thanki<\/a>, MD, a colorectal surgeon who specializes in benign and malignant disease of the colon, rectum, and anus at the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in California, said this latest report provides cautionary advice for anyone considering an aspirin regimen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cThis study demonstrates limited (if any) protective benefit from aspirin on risk of developing colorectal cancer in the general population,\u201d Thanki told Healthline. \u201cWith the known potential complications of long-term aspirin use, I would recommend that people don\u2019t take daily aspirin solely with the intent of reducing your risk of developing colorectal cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n To reach their findings, the researchers analyzed data from 10 randomized controlled clinical trials. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n They compared aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti\u2010inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with either no treatment or a different treatment for preventing colorectal cancer or colorectal adenoma in the general population.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The studies included more than 120,000 participants. Most of the research was conducted in North America and Europe. Low\u2010dose aspirin (75-100 mg per day) was typically used, although three studies evaluated higher doses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The researchers said they found that daily aspirin \u201cprobably results in little to no difference\u201d in reducing colorectal cancer risks after 5 to 15 years of use. They added that aspirin might slightly reduce colorectal cancer risk after 15 years of use.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cI would advise that you only consider daily aspirin for this purpose, either if you have a genetic syndrome that predisposes you to cancer (specifically Lynch Syndrome<\/a>) or have had adenomatous polyps<\/a> removed during a prior colonoscopy<\/a>,\u201d Thanki said. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cIn those populations, there is good evidence<\/a> that it may decrease risk of cancer and may decrease risk of adenoma recurrence<\/a>, respectively. Those patients should speak with their doctors.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The researchers also reported that daily aspirin \u201cmay increase mortality\u201d from colorectal cancer between 5 and 10 years of use, as well as producing \u201clittle to no difference in mortality\u201d between 10 and 15 years, and a possible reduction in mortality after 15 years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n They added that aspirin \u201cmay result in little to no difference\u201d in colorectal adenoma between 5 and 10 years, but \u201cthe evidence is very uncertain.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The researchers also noted that daily aspirin use produced \u201clittle to no difference\u2019 in overall serious adverse events, but they said \u201caspirin does increase the risk of serious extracranial hemorrhage\u201d and \u201cprobably increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The researchers said their findings should raise concerns for medical professionals and patients alike.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cThe uncertain and delayed potential for benefit must be weighed against a definite harm,\u201d they wrote.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cIn light of the mixed evidence, clinical practice should continue to center on an individualized assessment and a shared decision\u2010making process, carefully balancing a patient\u2019s established cardiovascular risk profile against their risk of bleeding,\u201d the researchers wrote.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n There has been conflicting research in recent years over the benefits and the risks of daily aspirin use as a cancer prevention tool.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The new research contradicts an August 2024 study<\/a> that reported that regular aspirin use can lower the risk of colorectal cancer, especially in people who have obesity or have unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n An April 2024 study<\/a> also concluded that daily aspirin may have some protective benefits against colorectal cancer, perhaps by enhancing the body\u2019s ability to detect cancer cells.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n However, a January 2026 study<\/a> reported that daily aspirin did not appear to reduce cancer in older adults but stated it might increase the risk of cancer-related mortality in older population groups.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The contrast in research has prompted at least one government agency to revise its recommendations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n However, the task force Experts concur that people should consult with their doctor about whether daily aspirin is beneficial for them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cIt may decrease the risk of\u2026 preeclampsia<\/a> in high risk pregnancies, and, as we discussed, polyps and tumors in the colon. It is important to know that this is highly nuanced and you should always talk with your doctor to see if daily aspirin use is right for you,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Katherine Van Loon<\/a>, MD, a specialist in gastrointestinal cancers at the University of California San Francisco, said the January 2026 study indicates that a patient\u2019s age can be a determining factor in whether daily aspirin use should be initiated.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cAge of aspirin initiation also seems to play a role and younger patients may benefit more,\u201d she told Healthline in an earlier interview<\/a>. \u201cFor now, I think we can say that we shouldn\u2019t initiate aspirin therapy in an older adult for the sole purpose of cancer prevention.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \u201cA lifestyle of moderation is most important in reducing your risk of colorectal cancer,\u201d he said. \u201cDiet and exercise are the best and easiest ways you can decrease your cancer risk.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cDaily exercise<\/a> and weight reduction are also key. Try avoiding tobacco use<\/a>,\u201d he added. \u201cLastly, get your screening tests done. Colonoscopy<\/a> is the best way to prevent and detect cancer, but other modalities like Cologuard<\/a> are also now available.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n