Aspirin use and cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract
2003

Aspirin Use and Upper Aerodigestive Tract Cancers

Sample size: 4137 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Bosetti C, Talamini R, Franceschi S, Negri E, Garavello W, Vecchia C La

Primary Institution: Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche ‘Mario Negri’

Hypothesis

Does aspirin use reduce the risk of cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract?

Conclusion

The study suggests that long-term aspirin use may reduce the risk of cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract.

Supporting Evidence

  • Aspirin use was associated with a 90% decreased risk of developing oesophageal cancer in one study.
  • Regular aspirin users had a lower risk of squamous-cell and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus.
  • Longer duration of aspirin use correlated with reduced risk for all cancer sites considered.

Takeaway

Taking aspirin regularly might help lower the chances of getting certain throat and mouth cancers, especially if you take it for a long time.

Methodology

Three hospital-based case–control studies were conducted in Italy, including interviews about aspirin use and other risk factors.

Potential Biases

Potential selection biases due to the nature of control groups and the association of some conditions with increased aspirin use.

Limitations

The study may have biases due to early symptoms affecting aspirin use and a relatively low number of regular aspirin users.

Participant Demographics

965 cases (850 men, 115 women) and 1779 controls (1450 men, 329 women) were included.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.89 for regular use

Confidence Interval

0.56–1.43

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600820

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