Increasing the use of aspirin, colorectal cancer screening, influenza immunizations, and a few other simple preventive measures would save more than 100,000 lives each year in the United States, according to a new study.
The biggest lifesaver identified is aspirin. Researchers found that an additional 45,000 lives could be saved each year by increasing to 90% the proportion of adults who take aspirin daily to prevent heart disease. As of 2005, about 40% of men aged 40 and older and women aged 50 and older reported daily aspirin use.
Counseling for smoking cessation also would help. An additional 42,000 lives could be saved each year if 90% of smokers were advised to ...