Aspirin Cuts Deaths From Breast Cancer

Study sees significant benefits for women with the disease
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 16, 2010 4:52 PM CST
Aspirin Cuts Deaths From Breast Cancer
Packages of aspirin fill the shelves of a drugstore, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009 in Chicago.   (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)

Taking aspirin regularly reduces the risk of death for breast cancer patients, a new study suggests. Drawing on data from the Nurses' Health Study, researchers found that breast cancer victims who took an aspirin at least twice a week were 64% to 71% less likely to die, and 43% to 60% less likely to see their cancer spread, reports MedPage Today.

The results could have "considerable clinical importance" considering the relatively mild side effects compared to chemotherapy, says the lead researcher. "These are promising findings, and if they are confirmed in additional clinical trials, physicians may be able to regularly recommend aspirin to their breast cancer patients to reduce risk of cancer spread and mortality."
(More cancer stories.)

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