Dear colleagues,
We are all often asked by friends, colleagues, and especially patients how to reduce the risk of getting colorectal cancer. We offer exercise, diet, and smoking cessation as some possible ways to mitigate risk. But what about that wonder drug – the ubiquitous aspirin? The American Gastroenterological Association’s recent clinical practice update suggests that aspirin may be protective in some patients younger than 70 years depending on their cardiovascular and gastrointestinal bleeding risks. If so, should we gastroenterologists be the ones to recommend or even prescribe aspirin? Or are the data just not there yet? We invite two colorectal cancer experts, Dr. Sonia Kupfer and Dr. Jennifer Weiss, to share their perspectives in light of these new recommendations. I invite you to a great debate and look forward to hearing your own thoughts online and by email at ginews@gastro.org.
Dr. Gyanprakash Ketwaroo
Gyanprakash A. Ketwaroo, MD, MSc, is assistant professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston. He is an associate editor for GI & Hepatology News.
