It was the David-versus-Goliath smack-down of 2010: In a pair of headline-grabbing studies, ordinary low-dose aspirin slashed the risk of dying from nine scary cancers by an average of 30 percent. The humble headache tablet took down cancers of the colon, prostate, brain, lungs, pancreas, esophagus and more. Wow. The news made us YOU Docs smile as we swallowed our daily 162 mg of aspirin, washed down with warm water. Should you be doing the same? We’re betting plenty of people who ought to be taking aspirin aren’t — and that some people who’d be better off not taking it are, despite the risks.
1. Get a second opinion: Talk with your doctor about aspirin. Take the RealAge Test beforehand (realage.com) — it weighs your personal health risks and benefits, and will help you discuss it.
