Risk Management & Treatment > Screening and Risk Reduction > By Cancer Type > Colorectal > Medications to Reduce Risk
Medications to lower colorectal cancer risk
In people at average risk for colorectal cancer, long term use of aspirin can reduce the risk of colorectal and colorectal cancer.
For people at high risk for colorectal cancer, multiple studies have shown a benefit of aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).
- In people with , daily aspirin may decrease the risk for colon cancer and other cancers. In one study, people who took 600 mg of aspirin daily for two years or more had a 60 percent decrease in their risk for colorectal cancer. However, more studies are needed to help experts understand the best dose and duration of aspirin to protect people with from colorectal cancer.
- Sulindac and celexicob are NSAIDs that have been shown to lower the risk for in people with the rare syndrome Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). FAP is caused by an in the APC gene, and is associated with increased risk of young-onset colorectal and colorectal cancer.
There is still uncertainty about the best dose and which patients may benefit most from routine use.
Other medications and dietary supplements have been studied through clinical trials, some of which are currently enrolling high-risk people. Currently, there is not enough evidence to support using of any of these other agents for routine of colorectal cancer.
Medications and supplements can have side effects. It is important for people to discuss the benefits and risks of with their doctor. People who choose to take medication to lower risk still need to undergo colorectal cancer screening.
The following resources can help you locate an expert near you.
Finding gastroenterologists
- The organization, Collaborative Group of the Americas-Inherited Gastrointestinal Cancer (CGA-IGC) keeps an updated list of hospitals and programs with hereditary gastrointestinal and pancreatic cancer screening programs for high-risk people.
- The American College of Gastroenterology has a search tool to help you find a gastroenterologist by specialty.
Other ways to find experts
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers deliver cutting-edge cancer care to patients in communities across the United States. Most centers have specialized screening and prevention centers for high risk people. Find a center near you and learn about its specific research capabilities, programs, and initiatives.
- Register for the FORCE Message Boards to get referrals from other members. Once you register, you can post on the Find a Specialist board to connect with other people who share your situation.
updated: 04/08/2023
The following are studies looking at colorectal cancer screening or prevention.
- NCT04427527: Accelerating Colorectal Cancer Screening Through Implementation Science in Appalachia (ACCSIS). The goal of this study is to increase colorectal cancer screening in Appalachian Kentucky and Ohio.
- NCT03218423: Longitudinal Performance of Epi proColon (PERT). This study will evaluate a blood test for colorectal cancer.
- NCT04940442: Outreach and Choice in Colorectal Cancer Screening. This study will compare overall colorectal cancer (CRC) screening participation between fecal immunochemical test [FIT] and colonoscopy.
- NCT04379999: Atorvastatin ± Aspirin in Syndrome. This study will investigate whether a common cholesterol lowering agent (atorvastatin) alone or combining with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (aspirin) reduces the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in high-risk individuals with .
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NCT05078866: Cancer Preventive Vaccine Nous-209 for Patients. This study aims to see whether the Nous-209 vaccine is safe to give to patients with . This study may help researchers determine whether receiving Nous-209 have an effect on the development of or tumors in the colon.
Other colorectal cancer screening and prevention studies may be found here.
updated: 07/18/2023