Aspirin fails to boost breast cancer survival: Harvard study

Aspirin, a widely available and inexpensive drug, has failed to improve survival or reduce recurrence rates in women with early-stage but high-risk breast cancer, according to a Harvard-led clinical trial published in JAMA.  

The study, conducted across 534 locations, tracked over 3,000 women (average age 53) who had received standard breast cancer treatment. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to take 300 milligrams of aspirin daily, while the others took a placebo. However, researchers were forced to end the trial early after results showed no difference in survival or recurrence rates between the two groups.  

"This is one of those scientific questions a lot of people wanted answered," said study co-author Dr Wendy Chen, a breast oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 

"The good news about a negative study is it shows that it doesn't make sense to continue barking up this tree."  

Hopes dashed despite previous studies  

The findings contradict earlier observational studies, which had suggested that aspirin use might reduce breast cancer mortality. However, these studies were not as rigorous as clinical trials.  

"I was disappointed, yes, because I would have loved to find a simple, inexpensive way to improve breast cancer survival rates," said Dr Michelle Holmes, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. 

"It would have been wonderful if it worked, because aspirin is inexpensive and available all over the world, in many places where people can't afford expensive cancer treatment."  

Demand for better guidance 

With breast cancer rates rising, the need for effective treatment and preventive strategies remains high. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 310,000 women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2024, with over 42,000 deaths recorded. While more than 90% of cases are detected at an early stage, around one-quarter eventually die from metastatic cancer—where the disease spreads to other parts of the body.  

Despite the aspirin trial's failure, Harvard experts highlighted several evidence-backed measures that could improve survival rates and **reduce recurrence risk.  

What works and what doesn't  

According to Dr Chen and Dr Holmes, the following lifestyle factors may influence breast cancer survival:  

Exercise: Physical activity is considered the strongest non-medical intervention, lowering breast cancer mortality risk by about 40%. It helps regulate insulin and estrogen levels, two hormones that can fuel cancer cell growth.  

Weight control: Obesity increases the risk of recurrence and death from breast cancer as fat tissue stores oestrogen, which can drive cancer growth. 

"We do know being at a healthy weight leads to better cancer and overall survival compared to people who are heavier," said Dr Chen.  

Diet: While no specific food directly prevents recurrence, research suggests that diets rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, poultry, and fish may improve survival. 

"The benefits of a healthy diet are not confined to just breast cancer," said Dr Holmes.  

Soy products: Previously thought to be harmful due to their oestrogen-like compounds, soy-based foods such as tofu and soy milk do not increase recurrence risk and may even lower it.

"The concern that soy products might stimulate tumours and cause recurrence has been pretty thoroughly debunked," Dr Holmes said.  

Alcohol consumption: While alcohol is linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer, its role in recurrence remains unclear. The ACS recommends avoiding alcohol or limiting intake to one drink per day.  

Supplements: There is no strong evidence that supplements help prevent breast cancer recurrence. 

"Most supplement use doesn't seem to be harmful, but it's not clear if it's helpful," Dr Holmes said.  

Smoking: Tobacco use is strongly associated with higher mortality rates in breast cancer patients. 

"To decrease your risk of cancer death, nothing is better than not smoking," said Dr Chen.  

Treatment remains key  

Although lifestyle choices can play a role in survival, researchers emphasised that adherence to medical treatment is the most critical factor in improving outcomes.  

"When I look at patients who do best, it's usually those who follow through with their treatment plan," Dr Chen said. 

"Adherence to treatment is clearly shown to improve outcomes. If you only do half your treatment versus 100% of it, you're not going to do as well."  

While lifestyle changes may boost overall health, medical treatment remains the most effective tool in combating breast cancer, experts said.