People that regularly take aspirin have a mortality rate related to breast cancer and cardiovascular disease that is 20% lower than those who only occasionally take the medication.
A recent study has suggested that aspirin could also considerably reduce the risk of recurrence of breast cancer for women who have previously been treated for the disease.
Many recent studies have also indicated that regular aspirin users had a reduced risk of developing certain cancers, notably colorectal cancer.
These protective effects appear to be linked to aspirin’s ability to inhibit Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), an enzyme that pays a pivotal role in the development and maintenance of inflammation. These inflammatory conditions create an ideal environment for the growth of cancer cells because they make it possible for genetic mutations that allow for inflamed tissue to grow in the breasts.
The inhibition of COX-2 activity by aspirin thus allows for a reduction in the degree of tissue inflammation by creating a less hospitable environment for tumours.
PREVENTING RECURRENCE
Studies have shown that COX-2 could also be a participant in the metastasis process of tumour cells in breast cancer cases. Because these metastases are one of the primary factors responsible for recurrences with this type of cancer, this information seems to indicate that aspirin could have a positive impact on survivors of this disease.
To further look into this possibility, researchers from Harvard University studied the possible relationship between regular aspirin use and the survival rate of women who had previously been diagnosed with breast cancer. By studying the medical files of 4,164 nurses who had suffered from the disease, the researchers found that those taking aspirin regularly saw a spectacular decrease in the risk of recurrence and premature death: for example, the mortality rate dropped by 71% for those taking aspirin between two and five times per week.
When aspirin is taken more frequently (six to seven times per week), it still has a positive effect but the mortality rate does not get any better (64% reduction).
CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS
These observations don’t suggest that aspirin can replace conventional treatments for breast cancer. On the contrary, in fact, because thanks to new discoveries in recent years, these treatments are very effective to the point where 90% of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive at least five years after diagnosis.
That said, the risk of recurrence is worrisome for a long time after treatments have ended, with an elevated risk even after 15 years.
In that vein, even if the results need to be confirmed through other studies, the observation that regular aspirin consumption can increase survival rates could be a big step in improving the efficiency of the war against breast cancer.
Aspirin can have side effects (notably gastrointestinal bleeding) in some people, so women in remission from breast cancer who have never taken aspirin should consult a doctor before doing so.
ANTI-CANCER RECIPE
Blueberry and Ginger Milk
Silky tofu has the consistency of a flan. It is often used to make mayonnaise and low-fat creams. It is found in grocery stores and natural food stores as well as in Asian grocery stores.
3 1/3 cups (825 ml) milk or natural soy milk
3/4 cup (175 ml) silky tofu
2 cups (500 ml) fresh or frozen blueberries
1 Tbsp. (15 ml) fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup (50 ml) maple syrup
1 pear, cut in large pieces (optional)
2 Tbsp. (30 ml) wheat germ
Using a mixer, combine the milk, tofu, blueberries, ginger and maple syrup, slowly increasing speed until you have an even consistency.
Pour into glasses that have been rimmed with lemon juice and cane sugar.
Put the pear pieces on four wood skewers. Roll the skewers on a plate covered in wheat germ, covering the pears evenly. Serve each glass with a skewer (optional). Serves 4.
Sources: Steve McCandless, owner of the Clocher Penche Bistro in Quebec City.
