Strategies to fight cancer has received a shot in the arm by way of a novel research conducted by scientists from Newcastle University, who have found that Aspirin is endowed with the potential to inhibit the growth of blood vessels, thus nipping cancer in the bud. Indeed, this information may throw open a plethora of options to fight cancer effectively.

According to Dr Helen Arthur of Newcastle University, previous research has indicated the benefits of aspirin in cutting down the risk of cancer, especially when consumed for longer periods; the risk is almost halved in the case of bowel cancer. Dr Arthur went on to say, "Aspirin seems to work against tumor formation in several ways, one of which is to restrict the blood supply. Tumors attract blood supply by releasing growth factors that cause nearby blood vessels to grow into the tumor."

During investigation, scientists subjected cells to varying doses of aspirin. Dr Arthur commenting on the finding said, "Our experiments showed that low doses of aspirin had an effect on these cells, which tended to cancel out the effect of the growth factors from the tumors." Having said that, she also warned, it is not a blanket prescription to consume high dose of aspirin, without the advice of a specialist.

The Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology has carried a detailed description of this research.