TAKING aspirin just once a week could slash cancer risk by over a third, experts claim.
Scientists looked at 113 studies into digestive cancers including stomach, oesophageal, bowel and mouth.
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Results showed regular aspirin use — one or two pills a week — slashed the risk of stomach cancer by 36 per cent.
Oesophageal cancer risk was cut by over a third, bowel by over a quarter, and pancreatic by 22 per cent.
Head and neck cancers did not see a major reduction.
The team also analysed the effect of aspirin specifically on bowel cancer. A “high dose” of 500mg a day could halve risk.
A regular-strength pill has 325mg.
Aspirin has long been linked to a reduction in bowel cancer risk.
Dr Carlo La Vecchia, at the University of Milan, said: “Regular use may prevent 5,000 to 7,000 deaths a year in people aged 50 to 74.”
He advised to consult a doctor given aspirin side-effects can include bleeding.
