For decades, medical professionals have been recommending the use of aspirin therapy for certain patients who have suffered from or are susceptible to stroke, heart attacks, or diabetes. This daily dose of aspirin has also been linked to a decreased risk of colorectal cancer, and many types of gastrointestinal cancers as well.
Because of these important benefits, a group of researchers at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine began a study to see if this common medication was effective in deterring skin cancer as well. The results of the research, however, were not what they expected to see.
The study reviewed the medical data of nearly 200,000 patients ages 18-89 with no prior history of melanoma. Of those who included the daily use of aspirin consistently for at least a year, the percentage of skin cancer more than doubled, even after lapse of 5 years!
“It definitely makes us reconsider this paradigm,” says Dr. Adam Mamelak, dermatologist and skin cancer expert at Sanova Dermatology. “For years, we have been purporting the benefit of a daily aspirin to our patients. We now need to think about this further, especially in high risk individuals.”
Researchers say that these discoveries should not influence men to stop their aspirin routines immediately, as the sudden cessation can cause dangerous results; but they can talk to their doctor if concerns arise regarding the possible risks of skin cancer.
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Men should also contact their dermatologist for professional advice on how to lower the risks of melanoma; dermatological experts can test for the presence of malignant cancers, and also give helpful council regarding treatments, preventative measures, and education about skin care.