Estimates of benefits and harms of prophylactic use of aspirin in the general population.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Accumulating evidence supports an effect of aspirin in reducing overall cancer incidence and mortality in the general population. We reviewed current data and assessed the benefits and harms of prophylactic use of aspirin in the general population.

Methods

The effect of aspirin for site-specific cancer incidence and mortality, cardiovascular events was collated from the most recent systematic reviews. Studies identified through systematic Medline search provided data regarding harmful effects of aspirin and baseline rates of harms like gastrointestinal bleeding and peptic ulcer.

Results

The effects of aspirin on cancer are not apparent until at least 3 years after the start of use, and some benefits are sustained for several years after cessation in long-te

SUBMITTER: Cuzick J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4269341 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature