Aspirin: the miracle drug?

Aspirin use is associated with reduction of esophageal adenocarcinoma but it is not known if it does so by preventing the development of Barrett’s esophagus or by reducing neoplastic progression in patients with Barrett’s esophagus. There is sparse literature to support the former assumption especially in women. This study by Jovani et al. based on Nurses’ Health Study reports 27% lower risk of Barrett’s esophagus among women using aspirin. The protective effect seems to increase with higher frequency and longer duration of aspirin use. This study provides evidence for lower prevalence of Barrett’s esophagus in female aspirin users.