Many studies have been carried out with regard to aspirin and its effect on health. Findings of studies differ as some say cons are more than pros and other researchers conclude that benefits outweigh harms.

Recently, a large-scale study was carried out. The study suggested that by taking aspirin on regular basis, risk of cancer can be reduced. After assessing the data in 200 reports, study researchers have concluded that if middle- aged people take an aspirin a day for 10 years then risk of cancer and other diseases can be reduced.

Dr. Mangesh Thorat, co-author of the study from Queen Mary University of London, shed light on the topic whether or not middle-aged people should take aspirin on regular basis. Dr. Thorat was of the view that main confusion is between pros and cons of taking an aspirin a day.

As per Dr. Thorat, studies might not have been carried out before in which harms of taking aspirin at population level were evaluated. Due to the absence of such studies, perceptions like harms are more than benefits would have been resulted.

Also, it has been seen that previously, disadvantages were clubbed together without considering their severity level. A low level of severity could not be equated with cancer or heart attack.

It is for the first time that benefits and harms of aspirin has been assessed at population level in the latest study. Dr. Thorat believes that every person in their middle age should discuss with their GP about if they can take aspirin on daily basis.

Doctors will be able to best know whether one should take aspirin or not as he would assess individual risk and will also come to know a person's medical history and other risk factors.