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Although screening can help prevent invasive colorectal cancer, little is known about how to modify the risk of developing the disease. Previously, aspirin and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs have been reported to have protective effects. These two large prospective studies examined the effects of two pharmacological agents -- aspirin and hormone replacement therapy -- on the risk of colorectal cancer.
In the Physicians' Health Study, 22,071 male physicians were randomized to aspirin (325 mg every other day) or placebo; after 5 years, subjects chose whether or not to take aspirin. After more than 12 years of follow-up, there was no significant difference in the incidence of colorectal cancer in the group randomized to aspirin compared wi…