Q. My father died of colon cancer back in 1999. His brother and sister both died of colon cancer too, so this is a big concern in our family.
After my father died, I read up on things that might possibly reduce this disease. Aspirin was one, so for 15 years, I took coated aspirin every day.
This past spring, I was admitted to a hospital because I needed a number of tests. One was a colonoscopy. Naturally, the doctors who heard about my family history of colon cancer expected the worst. We were all surprised by the results. My colon had no cancer or even any polyps. I believe that taking aspirin for years might have protected me from this disease.
A. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (Dec. 5, 1991) concluded that “Regular aspirin use at low doses may reduce the risk of fatal colon cancer.” A new study from Sweden confirms that aspirin may help prevent colorectal cancer in people with a genetic susceptibility (New England Journal of Medicine, Sept. 18, 2025).
Anyone who plans to take aspirin on a regular basis needs medical supervision. Even low doses can sometimes cause complications such as stomach irritation, bleeding or drug interactions.
Q. Do you have more details about the use of testosterone replacement in men? My understanding is that a relatively recent large-scale study showed that men using testosterone replacement therapy did not have more cardiovascular risks. That has long been the concern of the medical community.
A. Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration revised the required labeling for testosterone products prescribed for men with low hormone levels. The agency said drug companies should remove the Boxed Warning about adverse cardiovascular outcomes from their testosterone labels.
This is based on the outcomes of the TRAVERSE study (New England Journal of Medicine, June 16, 2023). It showed no difference between testosterone and placebo when it came to risks of heart attacks, strokes or stents.
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.”
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