Q. I’m 76 years old, and I’ve taken an aspirin every day since I was 28 because of arthritis. Although cancer runs in my family on both sides, I’ve never had cancer of any sort.
My dad died of prostate cancer. My mom has had breast cancer with both breasts removed. She also had skin cancer. My sister had breast cancer in both breasts. My first cousin had breast cancer and thyroid cancer. My aunt and another first cousin both died of colon cancer. None of them took aspirin unless they had a headache.
Like another person who wrote to you, I definitely believe aspirin has helped me avoid cancer. I’ve taken an aspirin every day for almost 50 years.
A. The previous writer focused on colon cancer, which was prevalent in that family. As we responded, there is evidence that regular aspirin use may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in people with genetic susceptibility (New England Journal of Medicine, Sept. 18, 2025).
Your family’s history of cancer suggests a genetic component. Among genetically vulnerable individuals, low-dose aspirin appears to be useful in reducing the chance of certain malignancies (JAMA Oncology, Nov. 1, 2025). The evidence appears to be strongest for colorectal cancer (Medicine, Sept. 5, 2025).
Breast cancer (CANCER Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, Dec. 1, 2025) and skin cancer (World Journal of Oncology, December 2022) both appear less likely among regular aspirin users. There are also data supporting the use of aspirin against prostate cancer (Journal of Clinical Medicine, Aug. 18, 2020).
No one should undertake prolonged aspirin use unless under medical supervision. Stomach ulcers and bleeding problems are serious aspirin side effects. Drug interactions are also a concern.
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In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.”