Low-Dose Aspirin Not Effective for Cancer Prevention in Older Adults
02 Feb 2026
In fact, the study found it may increase the risk of dying from cancer.
The study, part of the ASPREE project, followed over 19,000 adults in Australia and the US for more than a decade. Participants were given either a daily 100 mg aspirin or a placebo for a median of 4.7 years, followed by a period of observation after stopping the treatment.
Associate Professor Suzanne Orchard, the study’s first author, said there was no change in overall cancer cases between those taking aspirin and those on placebo, but cancer deaths were 15% higher among aspirin users during the trial. She added that this effect did not continue after the trial ended.
Dr Michael Tam, RACGP Expert Committee member, said the study is important for GPs. “It shows that starting low-dose aspirin to prevent cancer in older adults is not recommended,” he said.
Previous research in middle-aged adults suggested aspirin may help prevent colorectal cancer after long-term use. Dr Tam said this advice has not changed for people at higher risk, but the new study supports stopping aspirin for cancer prevention in older adults.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: Monash University / JAMA Oncology / RACGP
