Aspirin may reduce the risks from a number of cancers. Why? Medical researchers from different fields of study are coming together on a common thread of evidence suggesting that inflammation in the body may be at the core of many diseases, including cancer. The body is an amazing and intelligently complex system, ever busy, in a mysterious mechanism invisible to our every day consciousness. A simple splinter lodged in the finger sets off a course of action any seasoned military field general would find admirable. Mast cells send a signal, alerting the body there is an invader, blood vessels begin developing leaks to allow immune cells to engage the enemy in battle, and before the main immune cell troops arrive, pre-stationed front line troops begin attacking the invader with toxic chemicals. The specialized trained-to-destroy immune cells arrive, surrounding the enemy, defeating the invaders and halting the invasion. Another signal is sent, declaring victory, and the medic cells are sent to repair the damage done during the battle. Balance is restored at the perimeters of the homeland, all is quiet on the battlefront, all cells resume their designated positions. To wait again, for the next invader.
Disease seems to happen as a result of friendly fire, when the troops become confused, and believing there is an invasion when none exists, begin attacking enemies where there are none. Or the invasion is a continuous one, resulting from a chronic infection created by a steady stream of toxins entering the body from outside sources, or internally, as can happen with untreated gum disease. The troops eventually become exhausted, unable to fight on. The worst case, is when troops abandon their posts, and there is no one left to fight the battle. Researchers are finding aspirin, and aspirin-like compounds, may halt the battle before it begins. Aspirin certainly will provide a direction researchers can investigate in understanding the genesis and progression of disease.
TIME: How Inflammation Works provides an online slide show graphically illustrating the body response to inflammation.
