Today I learned that there are studies showing aspirin may lower the risk of getting cancer.  Here is a link to an abstract of one study from the Lancet: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(12)70112-2/abstract  I am not a a doctor, and I am not suggesting everyone start taking aspirin.  Aspirin does have side effects, and has been linked to Reyes Syndrome in children and young adults, when taken for viral illness.