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A large research review looked at whether aspirin can help prevent colorectal cancer. The findings were published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews by researchers from the Cochrane Collaboration.
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Because aspirin is already used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in some people, researchers wanted to know if it might also lower the risk of certain cancers.
The review looked at many clinical trials and research studies that tested:
Some of the major trials included large studies of older adults, such as the ASPREE trial, which studied people age 70 and older.
Researchers focused on:
The results were mixed.
Some studies suggest that long-term aspirin use may:
However, other studies — especially in older adults — did not show a clear benefit. In some cases, starting aspirin later in life did not reduce cancer risk and may have had no effect.
Researchers also found important risks:
The review emphasizes that benefits may take many years to appear. Short-term use does not seem to provide cancer protection.
Aspirin is inexpensive and widely available. If it truly lowers colorectal cancer risk, it could help many people.
But aspirin is not harmless.
For some people, especially older adults, the risk of serious bleeding may outweigh the possible cancer benefit.
This is why medical groups carefully weigh the pros and cons before recommending aspirin for prevention.
The review also notes that not all doses work the same way, and the best dose for cancer prevention is still being studied.
You should not start aspirin just to prevent cancer without talking to your doctor.
Aspirin may be appropriate for some people who:
But for others, the risks may be greater than the benefits.
Colorectal cancer screening — such as colonoscopy or stool-based tests — remains one of the most effective ways to prevent colon cancer.
This review was published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2026 by the Cochrane Collaboration. It is a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and other studies examining aspirin and colorectal cancer prevention.
Some of the included trials, such as ASPREE, have published additional findings in major medical journals including the New England Journal of Medicine.
Because this is a review of many studies, findings reflect the quality and length of those original trials. Readers can review the full Cochrane publication for detailed data tables and methodology.
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