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01-07-2009 | Original Paper

Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of colorectal cancer: A Danish cohort study

Authors: Søren Friis, Aslak H. Poulsen, Henrik Toft Sørensen, Anne Tjønneland, Kim Overvad, Ulla Vogel, Joseph K. McLaughlin, William J. Blot, Jørgen H. Olsen

Published in: Cancer Causes & Control | Issue 5/2009

Abstract

Objective

The optimal duration and dose of aspirin and non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the potential prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been established. We examined this issue in the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study.

Methods

Self-reported NSAID use at entry (January 1995–May 1997) was updated through June 2006, using a nationwide prescription database. CRC incidence was ascertained from nationwide registers. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to compute confounder-adjusted incidence rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

From 51,053 cohort subjects, we identified 615 CRC cases during 1995–2006. Daily aspirin use at entry was associated with a decreased risk of CRC (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.49–1.10). A similar risk reduction was seen among subjects with 10 or more prescriptions for aspirin or non-aspirin NSAIDs and five or more years of follow-up. Most aspirin prescriptions were for 75–150 mg aspirin tablets. Among non-aspirin NSAID users, only those with body mass index (BMI) above 25 showed risk reductions [RR, 0.69 (0.47–1.03) for 10 or more prescriptions].

Conclusions

Long-term consistent use of aspirin or non-aspirin NSAIDs appears necessary to achieve a protective effect against CRC. Further studies of the effective dose of aspirin and the potential interaction between NSAID use and BMI are warranted.

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Title: Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of colorectal cancer: A Danish cohort study
Authors: Søren Friis
Aslak H. Poulsen
Henrik Toft Sørensen
Anne Tjønneland
Kim Overvad
Ulla Vogel
Joseph K. McLaughlin
William J. Blot
Jørgen H. Olsen
Publication date: 01-07-2009
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Published in: Cancer Causes & Control / Issue 5/2009
Print ISSN: 0957-5243
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7225
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-008-9286-7

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Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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