More good news about aspirin

Taking low-dose aspirin for five years halves the risk of developing colon cancer, according to data published two years ago by Peter Rothwell, from Oxford University. The problem is it causes stomach bleeding in some people. Now there may be a solution.

A mass-screening programme foar 50- to 70-year-olds could cut the risk of stomach bleeds experts have said. About a third of this group carry the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which makes stomach bleeds three times more likely - and antibiotics eradicate it. Professor Jack Cuzick told the BBC's that screening would make the choice to take aspirin to help protect against cancer a "no-brainer". He said the test is easy to do and eradication only takes five days.But Prof Cuzick told Newsnight the most up-to-date data showed "much stronger results".

Last year, research indicated daily low-dose aspirin cut the risk of dying by 66% for oesophageal cancer and 25% for lung cancer. When researchers looked at all solid cancers together, the risk also fell, by 25%.

This year, the team looked at aspirin's effect on the spread of cancer, and found it reduced the risk of secondary spread to the lungs, liver and the brain by "about half". Low-dose aspirin is already recommended to cut the risk of heart attack and stroke, but there are no national guidelines on who should consider taking it to prevent cancer, or how much to take.

Because of the risk of bleeding you should consult your doctor before gulping these things down.