SEPT. 25, 2000

Health Happenings
Aspirin and Olive Oil May Help Prevent Certain Types of Cancer

Recent studies in Britain have shown that two common substances may have benefits in the fight against cancer.
Researchers at the Prostate Biology Group at Imperial College and Hammersmith Hospital in London have discovered that aspirin may help prevent prostate cancer in addition to headaches, heart attacks, and strokes. The drug may stop or slow down an enzyme (cox-2) that is involved in the growth of cancerous tumors. In fact, scientists said aspirin may also play a role in fighting colon cancer.

Meanwhile, a new study out of Oxford University shows that olive oil may be as potent as fresh fruit and vegetables for fighting colon cancer. The researchers compared cancer rates, diets, and olive oil consumption in 28 countries. They discovered that countries with diets high in meat and low in vegetables had higher cancer rates, but olive oil was associated with a decreased risk.