Further support for a randomised clinical trial of aspirin, Oncologist says
New research published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, a journal of the Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology, showed regular aspirin may decrease the risk of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer is the ninth most common cancer in women, of which 1/3 are serious adenocarcinomas. In Australia, over 60% of diagnosed ovarian cancers are in women aged over 60.
“This study of 1,564 women aged between 35 and 79, suggested a possible benefit, however it was not a statistically significant reduction in ovarian cancer,” said Medical Oncologist, Dr Andrew Haydon, who works on the cancer aspect of the ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) trial.
“This was also a relatively small study that did not show a relationship between the dose and duration of aspirin use and the reduced risk of cancer. In longer use (beyond five years) the risk may be reversed,” he said.
The number of cases of ovarian cancer in Australia is increasing – women over the age of 70 have the highest incidence – primarily due to an ageing and growing population.
“While this study is interesting, it supports large randomised studies such as ASPREE to provide more robust evidence relevant to older Australian women,” said Dr Haydon.
“ASPREE will also weigh any potential benefits versus the potential risks, such as bleeding.”
Updated April 1, 2021