Scientists have stated that chances of getting bowel cancer can be reduced by taking aspirin among healthy people.

It was also noted that cases of diseases were reduced by a quarter and the deaths were cut by a third if aspirin was popped in regularly.

Millions of heart attack survivors take aspirin dose of 75 mg which is sufficient to prevent a repeat attack.

The long-term effectiveness of aspirin against bowel cancer was assessed by a study that was done on 14,000 people with 20 years of follow-up. The report stated that protection was provided for a longer duration by taking the drug for five years.

The effects of proteins that are associated with a number of different types of cancer and that help trigger inflammation were blocked by aspirin.

Professor Peter Rothwell, of the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, and Oxford University, who led the study, said, "The findings now tip the balance in favour of regular aspirin use. Preventive drug therapy could complement the Government's £60million plan to bring in a new screening programme for bowel cancer."

To combat heart problems aspirin is taken daily by many.

Mark Flannagan, chief executive of Beating Bowel Cancer, said, "These are very positive results."