A quantitative illustration of the public health potential of aspirin.
Aspirin is showing potential in reducing the risk of several diseases of public health importance. These include cardiovascular disease, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. In this paper, a fictional scenario is considered in which 50 year old individuals are encouraged to take aspirin. Using crude assumptions and simple calculations, a Kaplan-Meier survival curve of aspirin users is presented. The main finding of this exercise is the possibility that the long-term use of low dose aspirin may double the chances of individuals living a healthy life into their 90's. Further research is needed.
Morgan
Gareth
G
Department of Public Health, Iechyd Morgannwg Health Authority, Swansea, Wales, UK. gareth.morgan@morgannwg-ha.wales.nhs.uk
D000368:Aged; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D013534:Survival; D016019:Survival Analysis; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
D001241:Aspirin