Uptake of Aspirin Chemoprevention in Patients With Lynch Syndrome

Individuals with Lynch syndrome (LS) are at a high lifetime risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and other cancers. Aspirin (ASA), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has proven chemopreventive benefits in LS, with the CAPP2 randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial demonstrating a 60% relative risk reduction for CRC among participants who adhered to ASA for 2 years or more. This study sought to characterize uptake of ASA/NSAIDs among individuals with LS and to understand factors associated with use.

Individuals with LS were invited (June 2020-August 2022) to complete a one-time electronic survey about LS screening behaviors, uptake of ASA/NSAIDs, and current/emerging cancer prevention options. Participants were recruited from the Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC) Risk Assessment Program Registry and through a research invitation posted to two patient-facing LS advocacy websites.

Two hundred and ninety-six participants completed the survey including 116 (39.2%) from FCCC and 180 (60.8%) recruited via the Internet, including 14.9% non-US based individuals. Uptake of regular ASA or NSAIDs was modest at 34.8% and was even lower (25.7%) when focusing on individuals taking ASA or NSAIDs solely for chemoprevention of LS. More than half (55%) were taking <100 mg ASA daily. In multivariable modeling, lower perceived threat of LS (odds ratio [OR], 0.84 [95% CI, 0.72 to 0.98]), lower concern for side effects (OR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.76 to 0.99]), and higher likelihood of recommending ASA/NSAIDs to family or a friend were all associated with ASA/NSAIDs use (OR, 1.70 [95% CI, 1.37 to 2.10]).

Uptake of ASA/NSAIDs chemoprevention is modest among individuals with LS. Patient perceptions of the pros and cons of ASA, more so than demographic and disease-related factors, were associated with chemoprevention uptake.