Low-Dose Aspirin or Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Use and Colorectal Cancer Risk: A Population-Based,...

A recent comprehensive review concluded that additional research is needed to determine the optimal use of aspirin for cancer prevention.

To assess associations between the use of low-dose aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and colorectal cancer risk.

Population-based, case-control study.

Northern Denmark.

Patients with first-time colorectal cancer in northern Denmark between 1994 and 2011. Population control participants were selected by risk set sampling.

Data on drug use, comorbid conditions, and history of colonoscopy were obtained from prescription and patient registries. Use of low-dose aspirin (75 to 150 mg) and nonaspirin NSAIDs was defined according to type, estimated dose, duration, and consistency of use.

Among 10 280 case patients and 102 800 control participants, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for colorectal cancer associated with ever use (≥2 prescriptions) of low-dose aspirin and nonaspirin NSAIDs were 1.03 (95% CI, 0.98 to 1.09) and 0.94 (CI, 0.90 to 0.98), respectively. Continuous long-term use (≥5 years) of low-dose aspirin was associated with a 27% reduction in colorectal cancer risk (OR, 0.73 [CI, 0.54 to 0.99]), whereas the overall OR for cumulative long-term use (continuous or noncontinuous) was close to unity. Nonaspirin NSAID use was associated with a substantial reduction in colorectal cancer risk, particularly for long-term, high-intensity use (average defined daily dose ≥0.3) of agents with high cyclooxygenase-2 selectivity (OR, 0.57 [CI, 0.44 to 0.74]).

Data were unavailable on over-the-counter purchases of high-dose aspirin and low-dose ibuprofen or NSAID dosing schedules, there were several comparisons, and the authors were unable to adjust for confounding by some risk factors.

Long-term, continuous use of low-dose aspirin and long-term use of nonaspirin NSAIDs were associated with reduced colorectal cancer risk. Persons who continuously used low-dose aspirin comprised only a small proportion of the low-dose aspirin users.

Danish Cancer Society, Aarhus University Research Foundation.