Add Aspirin Trial

[vwalker2653]

I mentioned ibuprofen only because it's yet another otc that has untoward side effects. A medication some people take every day for the ache and swelling of joints associated with use of BC meds.

[Magical_Moon]

I am not dismissing the use of Aspirin as a preventative measure for heart conditions.  It has been used for this purpose for a long time. If I had medical issues with my heart, I would take it if my doctors recommended the drug, despite the possibility of internal bleeding.

The purpose of my post was to highlight that, as yet, there is no clear medical evidence to prove without a doubt that Aspirin extends the survival rate of BC patients. Not sure why Ibuprofen has been referred to. Ibuprofen NSAID is not being promoted by medical scientists to have any benefits for increased BC survival.

[vwalker2653]

I take aspirin every day. 81mg as a preventative measure for ACS. It is a medication that has been around for over 100 years and yes, there is a risk for bleeding. Ibuprofen also has a risk of causing bleeds and heart attacks. Aspirin is fairly benign considering all the other poisons we take after a diagnosis of breast cancer.

[Magical_Moon]

Hello Helen,
Very best wishes for a good recovery from chemo.
There was a recent thread about Aspirin.
https://forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/t5/Living-with-breast-cancer/ASPIRIN-who-takes-it/td-p/1011624
This is what I posted on that thread.

I would not take a low dose of Aspirin daily based on the current research carried out to date and am very pleased that the BCC team have highlighted the need to proceed with caution.
Having researched a number of medical papers and articles on the benefits of Aspirin, the overall impression I have gained is that more emphasis is being made about Aspirin reducing the risks of CVD and colorectal cancer. There is very limited conclusive evidence based on clinical trials for breast cancer. In fact, the Cardiff University study openly admits 'there is a desperate need for more detailed research' to verify their review findings.
Other articles highlight caveats before proceeding with a daily dose of Aspirin, such as needing to take it for at least 10 years to have any benefits and being between 50-69 years old. Plus, the dangers of internal bleeding and stomach ulcers caused by taking Aspirin for long periods.
The ATAC trial for hormone therapy was a very extensive clinical trial and proved the benefits of hormone therapy for reducing the recurrence of breast cancer. Until there is a comparable extensive clinical trial for Aspirin in relation to increasing breast cancer survival, I personally think it is not worth the risk of developing stomach ulcers and internal bleeding.
As with all breast cancer treatments, everything is down to personal choice and personal circumstances. 

I think you are very brave having been through chemo treatment so, me personally, would not wish to see you volunteer for a clinical trial which may give you more unpleasant side effects. You have been through so much already. Plus, as you say, you may be given the placebo and will have wasted five years. It may be worth asking your oncologist whether there is any credibility in what some of the medical articles state which is 'needing to take it for at least 10 years to have any benefits and being between 50-69 years old'.

Big cyber hug for you, Helen.
M x

[lorac170]

Hi there Helen
Think you might get more info/replies if you posted this in the Chemotherapy threads. Best wishes, Carol

[helen1971]

Hello ladies.

Hope you are all doing well and recovering nicely from chemo. Pleased to report my hair and eyebrows are doing well although still not brave enough to ditch the wig!!!

Has anyone been asked to take part in a clinical trial taking aspirin? My oncologist has offered it to me but it is possible I may be given just a placebo only. My concern is that at the end of the 5 years they will tell me that aspirin definately works only to then be told I've been on the placebo and therefore effectively "wasted" 5 years.

I know I would be helping future breast cancer patients by doing the trial but obviously I also want to do everything I can to prevent a recurrence.

Any thoughts??

Thank
Helen xx