Taking a baby aspirin a day was often touted as a way to prevent heart disease and cancer - and many people have been doing that. This was based on some older studies showing there were benefits after a heart attack. Also there was some evidence it may lower your risk of colon cancer. So what happened?
In a recent study (Lancet 2018 Aug 26) sponsored by Bayer, the makers of aspirins, researchers followed over 12,000 patients over 55 who had no history of heart disease. Half the group took low dose aspirin and the other half a placebo.
The results showed that there was no difference in cardiovascular disease in the two groups, but a slight increase in the risk of bleeding in the aspirin group.
In another study (N Engl J Med 2018 Aug 26) aspirin was slightly preventative in diabetic patients, but the risk of bleeding countered this benefit.
So the conclusion is that baby aspirin may not really help you much. There may be some benefit; perhaps in colon cancer or in some subgroups. Taking one is a personal decision and not really, now, a medical recommendation.
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