Aspirin may prevent melanoma skin cancer according to recent studies by Stanford University School of Medicine's Cancer Institute. ABCNews.go reported on March 11 that the study included 60,000 women after menopause who took aspirin, and they experienced a 21-30 percent reduction in diagnosis of melanoma, depending upon how long they had taken aspirin.
The study did not take into account the family history of the women, and ABCNews.go also reported that the incidences of melanoma are higher among women who have red hair.
Previous studies have shown evidence that the use of inexpensive and readily available aspirin may help prevent other cancers as well. Cancers of the colon, breasts, liver, and now skin have shown to be affected by aspirin use. Although some side effects to aspirin exist, it continues to show promise as a cancer-fighting drug.
ABC News' chief health and medical editor Dr. Richard Besser reminds us of the possible side effects of aspirin use such as an increased risk of a stomach ulcer or a gastrointestinal bleed.
You can check your chances of developing skin cancer here on this interactive quiz on Fitness.com.
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