Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – Results from a major clinical study have found that taking a small daily dose of aspirin may help stop bowel cancer from developing in individuals with a high genetic risk.
The research, known as the Colorectal Adenoma/Carcinoma Prevention Programme 3 (CaPP3), was led by Professor Sir John Burn of Newcastle University and supported by Cancer Research UK. The study revealed that a low-dose aspirin taken each day significantly lowers the chance of developing bowel cancer in people with Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition that increases cancer risk.
Previous research had already shown that higher doses of aspirin could prevent bowel cancer. The earlier CaPP2 trial, also led by Professor Burn, demonstrated that a 600mg daily dose reduced bowel cancer risk by 50% in those with Lynch syndrome.
The CaPP3 study reveals that a smaller daily dose of aspirin—between 75 and 100mg—is just as effective as larger doses in reducing the risk of bowel cancer in individuals with Lynch syndrome. This uncommon inherited condition significantly raises the likelihood of developing cancers such as those of the bowel, uterus, ovaries, and prostate.
Professor Sir John Burn, a Clinical Genetics expert at Newcastle University and the lead researcher of the CaPP3 study pointed out that for three decades, researchers have noticed that people who regularly take aspirin tend to develop fewer cancers.
He further indicated that the CaPP3 trial has shown that low-dose aspirin is effective in preventing bowel cancer, reducing the risk of side effects while still providing crucial protection for individuals with Lynch syndrome.
Professor Sir John Burn highlighted the facts that yet, just one in four people with Lynch syndrome are currently using aspirin. Far too many are missing a powerful chance to lower their cancer risk.
“We’re now engaging with the regulators to change prescribing guidelines so that aspirin can be used more widely for people with a high risk of bowel cancer. We have a chance to give more people with Lynch syndrome protection which would reduce their fear of bowel cancer in the future.”
Lynch syndrome is an uncommon inherited condition that affects families across generations. According to NHS England, approximately 1 in every 400 people in England—around 175,000 individuals—are thought to have the condition.
Following the findings of the CAPP2 trial, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises that individuals with Lynch syndrome think about taking a daily dose of aspirin to lower their risk of developing bowel cancer.
However, a 2016 survey showed that fewer than half (46.7%) of general practitioners were aware of this recommendation. Many also expressed concerns over prescribing higher doses of aspirin. The more recent CaPP3 study has now demonstrated that smaller doses can still offer significant protection, which could allow more patients to benefit.
The researchers behind the study are currently engaging with the British National Formulary—the key reference guide used by healthcare professionals—to revise its guidance on aspirin’s role in cancer prevention. This update could streamline the process for GPs to recommend aspirin to eligible patients.
Nick James, a 46-year-old furniture craftsman from Newcastle, was the first participant to enroll in the CaPP3 trial back in 2014.
He chose to have genetic testing after losing his mother to cancer and learning that several relatives had been diagnosed with bowel cancer. Following a referral from his GP, Nick attended the Northern Genetics Service at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The test revealed that he carries a genetic mutation linked to Lynch syndrome.
Nick now undergoes a colonoscopy every two years and continues to take aspirin regularly. Aside from that, he doesn’t require any other treatment or check-ups related to Lynch syndrome and has not developed cancer.
