Does aspirin prevent Skin Cancer? NOT FULLY TESTED, read for more information, please.
When considering this question, does Aspirin prevent skin cancer, naturally my caution antenna twinged? As everything I have found to this point indicated that aspirin increased my skin’s sensitivity to the sun this was a detour I had to take.
Names Of The 3 Skin Cancers Found More Often
So here is some of the material that I found in that search. Source click this link to further check this out for yourself.
Among the most often found of all cancers across the world, skin cancer cases can be prevented by protecting from the sun.
The three major types that account for most of these skin cancer numbers are:
Basal cell carcinoma is usually the first skin cancer you have. Normally the quickest and easiest to cure.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a bit more difficult to treat, and slower to heal because there is normally a larger wound area.
Malignant melanoma (MM) is the most deadly skin cancer. Often the malignant tumors are below the skin surface, and not recognized until the growth has become established.
How Aspirin Works
Aspirin in low dosage is used to reduce the risks of blood clots in the heart. However, the daily use of aspirin is associated with a boatload of side effects.
Stomach problems are quite common, and in severe cases, peptic ulceration may occur. This condition can cause internal bleeding. Needless to say, this can endanger the patient’s life.
So Now We Ask, “Does Aspirin Prevent Skin Cancer?”
Aspirin can inhibit the normal function actions of the enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and 2.
COX-2 regulates inflammation via prostaglandin synthesis which is thought to control the development and progression of almost all cancers. Because of the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis-mediated inflammation by aspirin, the thought is that this is how it could prevent malignancies.
The assumption is that this decreased risk could be related to increased COX-2, which could account for the occurrence of fewer cancer cells in squamous cell carcinoma.
However, the evidence regarding the link between aspirin and cancer risk is far from conclusive.
According to one uncontrolled study of information analysis done in 2015, aspirin dosage was shown to be associated with a decreased risk of both basal and squamous carcinoma.
However, there were not the same results for melanoma. This deadly form of skin cancer was not changed from the normal frequency found in our population.
Then in 2018, a new study showed that men, but not women, who had a 1-year or more history of aspirin use, had an increased risk of melanoma! Why just men? Not sure at this writing.
Is It Safe To Take Aspirin Every Day?
Taking aspirin every day is something your doctor must evaluate, case by case, and make the decision based on the damage aspirin does after a while.
Here are the long-term effects of daily aspirin, according to Mayo Clinic.
- Stroke caused by a burst blood vessel. Yes, daily aspirin can help prevent a clot-related stroke, it may also increase the risk of a bleeding stroke.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding. Taking aspirin daily increases the risk of developing a stomach ulcer. So if you already have a bleeding ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding, taking aspirin may cause even more bleeding.
- Allergic reaction. If you’re allergic to aspirin, taking any amount of aspirin can trigger a serious allergic reaction.
Just like disregarding the danger of too much sun on our skin, we ignore the danger of taking aspirin. While over-the-counter medications are easily available, this does not mean they are not dangerous.
Does Aspirin Prevent Skin Cancer?
Early studies were done that indicated there could be some validation for taking aspirin to prevent skin cancer. However, considering the danger to the body from the daily dose of aspirin, this is not a good way to prevent skin cancer.
There are no negative results to covering your skin to prevent sun damage with possible skin cancer. Wearing clothing remains the safest way to protect your skin from the sun without endangering your health in any way.
Wearing sun-protective clothing is safe for your health and skin. Sunscreen makers are getting dangerous chemicals out of sunscreen. The problem with depending on sunscreen is the correct application. Getting enough on to start with, then reapplying in a safe time period are the major issues with sunscreen now.
Once you put on your sun blocking clothing, you are protected until you take that clothing off. Leaving clothing on is important, your sun hat will not protect your skin if you don’t wear it.
Sunglasses offer great protection, but you must wear them. Sun blocking shirts will keep you safe, just keep it on!
UPF clothing is a proven way to stay safe in the sun. Will you wear it? Forget aspirin, the side effects are not worth the risk.
Thanks for reading what I found out about aspirin and sun protection. Just don’t risk your health. This isn’t a safe option to try.
Have you had an episode with aspirin and the sun? We are all learning here. Please share your experience and hints.
Sami
Sami’s Take On Does Aspirin Prevent Skin Cancer
Now I am convinced beyond a doubt that aspirin is not a skin cancer preventive worthy of putting my body in harm’s way. As I get older, I find myself reaching for the aspirin family of over-the-counter- medications. Having more issues is not what I need.
Do you think it is worth the risk for you? Obviously, there was no allowance in the original study of sun exposure habits for the people counted in the study.
People in the central part of Texas get so much sun exposure that we have to use the tools available to stay healthy. Now that I realize the ways I can take better care of my skin, I hope to have fewer skin cancers than I did in the past.
Have you changed your lifestyle habits to stay safe when you are enjoying your outdoor activities?
Wearing sunscreen daily has become important for me in all seasons. I know that in the fall and winter, I am out more because it is cooler. That means more sun. My sun blocking shirt, sun hat, and sunglasses will see lots of wear this year as we cool down.
We may be cooler, but that direct sun is still there most every day!
Have a sun-safe fall and winter.