The study comprised 830 patients with stage III colon cancer, who, at the same time, were taking part in another trial intended to evaluate two different chemotherapeutic regimens. During chemotherapy and again six months after treatment, each test person completed questionnaires concerning medication use and lifestyle. 72 participants, that is 8.7 percent of these patients, regularly resorted to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) - before and after their cancer treatment. When compared with the group of non- Aspirin?® users, researchers noted a significant reduction (48 percent) in the risk of disease recurrence and death. Therefore, they concluded that consistent usage of ASA can be associated with improved outcomes for patients with stage III colon cancer.

Previous research studies support these findings: They have shown that large doses of acetylsalicylic acid can significantly decrease the incidence of colorectal polyps - initially benign tumors that can turn malignant if left untreated. Additionally, ASA may prevent pre-cancerous lesions.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths - and that although the chances of a cure are good if it is diagnosed early enough. Colon cancer is a malignancy involving both large intestines (colon) and a distal portion of the colon known as the rectum. Although there is no single cause for this illness, certain factors increase the risk of developing the disease, among them, for instance, an unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and a lack of exercise. Further risk factors include colorectal polyps, a family history of colorectal cancer, and a history of ulcerative colitis.

Source: Bayer Healthcare

Professor Jane Wardle, the director of Cancer Research UK's Health Behaviour Unit, says that in just 10 years, the rate of obesity for British men has increased two thirds, and even though women are also overweight, their research shows that they do at least recognise they have a problem, which is the first step in putting it right.

Wardle says men need to be made more aware of the problem, learn how to fix it and be given the support to succeed. Only then, she says will they reduce their risk of cancer.

Dr Walker says it is imperative that men understand how they can reduce their risk of cancer, and to stop smoking, is by far the most important step in reducing this risk.

But she adds that in non-smokers, obesity is one of the biggest known causes of preventable cancer.

Apparently rates of obesity are growing faster for men in the UK than for men anywhere else in Europe, and that should be a wake up call to all men and their partners to become more active, eat healthier diets and make sensible lifestyle choices.

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