Does aspirin prevent colorectal cancer? Depends on your DNA

A new study by public health researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has discovered that the benefits of using aspirin and NSAIDs like ibuprofen to cut colorectal cancer risk actually hinge on a person’s particular DNA. The researchers compared genetic and lifestyle data from 8,624 people who developed colorectal cancer with that of 8,553 people who did not (both groups were matched by age and gender) and found some intriguing differences. “People with different genetic backgrounds, even if they’re exposed to the same thing like NSAID use, will react differently with the same exposure,” said Fred Hutch co-author Dr. Li Hsu. Read more here.