The everyday drugs that can cut gullet cancer risk

OVER the counter drugs could dramatically cut the chances of getting oesophageal cancer.

One in five people suffer from acid reflux as stomach acid travels up towards the throat.

Of these, one in ten develop Barrett’s oesophagus, where cells in the gullet grow abnormally. But sufferers can protect themselves by taking both aspirin and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drug sold in chemists.

These pills cut the cancer risk by a fifth, a University of Central Lancashire study found.

Experts said the results should encourage people with Barrett’s oesophagus to discuss these over-the-counter medicines with their doctor. The trial, led by Professor Janusz Jankowski, split 2,563 people with Barrett’s oesophagus into four groups.

Those with the illness took either a high or low daily dose of the PPI esomeprazole with or without low-dose aspirin.

Aspirin on its own did not have a statistically significant effect on patients. But, taken with a high dose of the acid reflux drug esomeprazole, it cut the chances of being diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus by 20 per cent.

The study was presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago. Aspirin costs less than 2p per pill, while esomeprazole tablets are about 70p. Professor Jankowski said: ‘People with heartburn should talk with their doctor about their risk of Barrett’s oesophagus.’