Q. I’m 76 years old, and I’ve taken an aspirin every day since I was 28 because of arthritis. Although cancer runs in my family on both sides, I’ve never had cancer of any sort.

My dad died of prostate cancer. My mom has had breast cancer with both breasts removed. She also had skin cancer. My sister had breast cancer in both breasts. My first cousin had breast cancer and thyroid cancer. My aunt and another first cousin both died of colon cancer. None of them took aspirin unless they had a headache.

Like another person who wrote to you, I definitely believe aspirin has helped me avoid cancer. I’ve taken an aspirin every day for almost 50 years.

A. The previous writer focused on colon cancer, which was prevalent in that family. As we responded, there is evidence that regular aspirin use may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in people with genetic susceptibility (New England Journal of Medicine, Sept. 18, 2025).

Your family’s history of cancer suggests a genetic component. Among genetically vulnerable individuals, low-dose aspirin appears to be useful in reducing the chance of certain malignancies (JAMA Oncology, Nov. 1, 2025). The evidence appears to be strongest for colorectal cancer (Medicine, Sept. 5, 2025).

Breast cancer (CANCER Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, Dec. 1, 2025) and skin cancer (World Journal of Oncology, December 2022) both appear less likely among regular aspirin users. There are also data supporting the use of aspirin against prostate cancer (Journal of Clinical Medicine, Aug. 18, 2020).

No one should undertake prolonged aspirin use unless under medical supervision. Stomach ulcers and bleeding problems are serious aspirin side effects. Drug interactions are also a concern.

Q. My doctor prescribed rosuvastatin for high cholesterol. After taking it for six to nine months, I noticed that my cognitive function had slipped. I would not be able to find the word I was looking for. My family also noticed this cognitive decline.

I stopped the rosuvastatin and, in a fairly short period of time, my full cognitive function returned. I do engineering-type design work, and it is critical that I have full mental capacity.

A. Health professionals have been arguing about statin side effects for years, especially when it comes to cognitive impairment. Many discount this complaint, but other readers have reported problems like the ones you describe.

The official prescribing information for rosuvastatin (Crestor) includes the following: “… rare postmarketing reports of cognitive impairment (e.g., memory loss, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment, and confusion) associated with the use of all statins.”

An article in the journal Medicine (Sept. 5, 2025) asked the question: “Are lipid-lowering drugs harmful to cognitive performance?” The authors’ answer: “This study suggests that statins and ezetimibe [Zetia] may have adverse effects on cognition, while PCSK9 inhibitors [Praluent, Repatha] and fibrates appear to have no such effect, which may help clinicians make more informed prescription decisions.”

To help you and your doctor determine other ways to lower your risk of heart disease, you may wish to review our “eGuide to Cholesterol Control & Heart Health.” This online resource may be found under the Health eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.”