One of the doctors behind the Sandler-Kenner Foundation talks about recent findings.

Irving, TX, — A simple, highly accessible tool may soon be recommended for use in the fight against prostate cancer. Research has indicated that basic, low-dose aspirin may offer benefits in slowing the growth of this type of cancer while reducing its ability to spread to other nearby organs.

The study in question found very promising results, especially in connection with non-metastatic cancers. Although the over-the-counter medication did not provide a cure, the results showed it appeared to help slow the advance of pancreatic tumors by slowing growth and replication rates.

“Although the jury is still out on whether aspirin might be a beneficial addition to treatment plans for non-metastatic pancreatic cancer, the initial findings are quite positive,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, one of the physicians behind the Sandler-Kenner Foundation and the founder and lead surgeon at Choice Cancer Care. “By providing a way to potentially slow growth, aspirin may someday prove beneficial in helping improve patient outcomes in certain cases.”

Pancreatic cancer affects about 53,000 Americans each year. This form of cancer is responsible for roughly 41,000 deaths annually. Considered highly difficult to detect and treat, pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of less than 10 percent.

“Pancreatic cancer is considered one of the most difficult forms of cancer to detect,” explains Dr. Echt. “With no simple early detection screening tool available and few symptoms at its onset, this form of cancer often goes undetected until it reaches later stages.”

Considering the difficulties associated with pancreatic cancer detection and treatment, it is recommended that people at high risk talk to their healthcare providers about this condition. Risk factors include family history, diabetes and chronic pancreatitis, among others.

As for aspirin’s potential benefits in helping slow this disease’s progression, more research is necessary to gauge the potential benefits. Although often used to assist those at high risk for heart attacks, this over-the-counter medication does have some potential side effects that make routine use without a doctor’s recommendation ill advised.

To find out more about pancreatic cancer and steps that are being taken to fight it, visit the Sandler-Kenner Foundation online. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping advance research that may lead to a cure for pancreatic cancer.

About The Sandler-Kenner Foundation
The Sandler-Kenner Foundation, established in 2007 as the Las Colinas Cancer Center Foundation, was renamed in early 2011 in the memory of Michael Sandler and Peter Kenner, both of whom passed away from pancreatic cancer, a lethal disease that is difficult to diagnose until it has reached an advanced stage.