Aspirin could be prescribed to prevent bowel cancer for those in high-risk group
Trial shows much smaller dose than previously recommended would work
BIG C HOPE Aspirin could be prescribed to prevent bowel cancer for those in high-risk group
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ASPIRIN could be prescribed to try to prevent bowel cancer for those in a high-risk group.
A Cancer Research UK study found a small daily dose offers protection for people with Lynch syndrome.
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More than half of people with the genetic condition develop bowel cancer at some point in their life.
Experts will apply for a prescription license to give 'baby' 75mg pills to the nearly 200,000 Brits with Lynch syndrome.
CRUK said fewer than half of GPs knew they should prescribe aspirin to Lynch syndrome patients and many were worried about the dose size.
The trial found a much smaller dose than the previously recommended 600mg would work, reducing the risk of side effects.
Professor Sir John Burn, from Newcastle University, said: 'This tells us that aspirin can prevent bowel cancer at lower doses, minimising the chances of side-effects whilst offering vital protection for people with Lynch syndrome.
'Only a quarter of people with Lynch syndrome are currently taking aspirin and too many are missing out on a potentially life-changing opportunity to prevent cancer.'
Lynch syndrome is estimated to cause about one in every 33 bowel cancer cases in the UK.
Bowel tumours are one of the most common types, with 44,000 cases per year and 17,000 deaths.
The 4 signs of bowel cancer that mean it's 'too late' - as doctor reveals cause of surge in young people being diagnosed
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Aspirin could be prescribed to prevent bowel cancer for those in a high-risk group
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