Lung cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer (1.8 million cases; 12.9% of all cancer cases) and the most common cause of cancer death (1.6 million deaths; 19.4% of all cancer deaths) in 2012 worldwide. The risk of lung cancer remains elevated after smoking cessation, and 15% of men and 53% of women with lung cancer are lifelong nonsmokers. Given this significant health burden, additional approaches for preventing lung cancer have been suggested, including regular aspirin use.
Previous studies of aspirin use in patients with cardiovascular disease have suggested that low-dose aspirin use is beneficial in reducing the risk of cancer in a duration-dependent manner. The antineoplastic effect of aspirin may be associated with the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1)–mediated platelet activation. Inhibition of arterial thrombosis by aspirin impedes the development and progression of…
