Confirmed Changes to United States (US) guidance on taking daily aspirin to prevent heart disease and stroke

In October 2021 we reported that the United States (US) Preventive Services Task Force was considering making a number of changes to its guidance on taking a daily aspirin to prevent heart disease and stroke. This group have previously recommended that adults aged 50-59 with a higher risk for cardiovascular (heart) disease take daily aspirin.

On 26th April 2022, the task force confirmed their recommendations as follows:

Adults aged 40 to 59 years with a 10% or greater 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk: The benefit of aspirin use is small, and therefore the decision to start low-dose aspirin use for the primary prevention of CVD should be an individual one.

They also stated that persons who are not at increased risk for bleeding and who are willing to take low-dose aspirin daily are more likely to benefit.

Adults 60 years or older: Low-dose aspirin use is not recommended for the primary prevention of CVD.

Colorectal Cancer: As part of their review, the USPSTF also examined the available evidence for low-dose aspirin for the prevention of colorectal cancer. They found that there were too many limitations in the data available to them to make any recommendations about taking aspirin for primary prevention of colorectal cancer .

Relevance to Add-Aspirin:

This recommendation from the USPSTF does not impact the Add-Aspirin study, or the patients already randomised and taking part.

The Add-Aspirin study aims to find out whether taking aspirin regularly after treatment for an early stage cancer stops or delays the cancer from coming back. In patients with a previous cancer, we expect the potential benefits of aspirin to outweigh the risks. The best way to find out if aspirin helps delay or stop colorectal cancer from returning is to carry out a randomised controlled trial like Add-Aspirin including the long-term follow-up of patients that is in place.

All individuals who are invited to take part in Add-Aspirin have a consultation with their doctor about whether they are suitable for the study based on their individual circumstances. Anyone with a high risk of bleeding will not participate in the study. Participant safety is carefully monitored by our study doctors and by an independent data monitoring committee.

If you are participating in Add-Aspirin and have any questions or concerns, please talk to your study nurse or doctor.