Researchers from the US National Cancer Institute have reported that taking a daily dose of aspirin for six months is linked with a lower chance of developing ovarian cancer, and this protective effect appears to work across different genetic backgrounds. The findings were published in a leading medical journal, highlighting aspirin as a potential preventive factor for this type of cancer.
Ovarian cancer ranks among the more common cancers affecting women, and its risk grows with factors such as age and body weight. A family history of cancer and certain inherited genetic traits can also influence an individual’s overall risk. While these elements matter, the new analysis emphasizes that everyday aspirin use may offer protective benefits beyond genetic risk.
To understand the role of genetic susceptibility, researchers pooled data from eight separate studies. In total, the analysis included information from approximately 4,500 patients diagnosed with various forms of ovarian cancer. This diverse dataset allowed for a broad examination of how aspirin might interact with different genetic profiles and cancer subtypes.
The combined results showed a meaningful association: regular aspirin use correlated with about a 13% reduction in the incidence of ovarian cancer. Importantly, the study found that a person’s genetic predisposition to ovarian cancer did not diminish the protective impact of frequent aspirin use. In other words, the potential risk reduction was observed across groups with varying genetic risk factors.
Experts caution that while the findings are encouraging, they do not replace established medical guidance. Aspirin can carry risks, including bleeding and gastrointestinal side effects, which may outweigh benefits for some individuals. Decisions about preventive aspirin use should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional, taking into account personal health history, risk factors, and potential interactions with other medications.
Overall, the research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that common, widely available medications could play a role in cancer prevention. Future studies will aim to confirm these results, determine optimal dosing regimens, and identify which populations might benefit most from aspirin as a preventive strategy against ovarian cancer.