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ASPIRIN USE AND PANCREATIC CANCER
(June 2003)

Investigators from the Iowa Women’s Health Study followed 28,283 postmenopausal women for seven years during which time, 80 cases of pancreatic cancer were diagnosed. The women were asked about use of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Indocin, Feldane, Motrin, Naprosyn). Those using aspirin two or more times a week had about a 50 percent reduced risk of developing pancreatic cancer; these findings were statistically significant. The other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs showed no such benefit.

Commentary: This is an interesting study, but it can only be considered preliminary. It is not supported by the few other studies in the literature and the number of cases in the two highest aspirin intake groups is small (only ten in each group). That mandates caution in interpreting the results.

The authors also found that diabetes and smoking were risk factors for pancreatic cancer. That is not surprising, but, in addition, they observed that taking multi-vitamins reduced risk - and that is surprising. We do not know very much about the causes of pancreatic cancer, but there is no persuasive evidence that any diet, vitamin, or vitamin supplement protects against this terrible malignancy; so that finding is even more reason for caution in interpreting the study.

Rating:

Anderson, K.E., et al. Association between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and the incidence of pancreatic cancer. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Vol 94 (August 7) Pgs 1168-1171. 2002.

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