“Nearly one in four GPs don’t feel fully equipped to have conversations with their patients about aspirin,

which is why we want to see more training made available to ensure all GPs are aware of the guidance and can help their patients benefit from it.”

The GPs were provided with different amounts of information about prescribing aspirin for bowel cancer prevention in Lynch syndrome, covering NICE guidance, previous research and comparisons of aspirin’s benefits and harms.

The results showed that GPs’ decisions to prescribe were not altered by the distinct types of information they received.

Nine in ten of the unwilling GPs were concerned about the harms of aspirin, which can cause ulcers in the stomach or gut, especially if taken for a long time and in large doses.

Four in five were concerned about prescribing ‘off-label’, as manufacturers have not yet registered this use of aspirin. Drug companies have to undertake clinical trials to license medication for additional uses, but the process is expensive and can take years. As a result, prescribing aspirin for off-label use carries a heavier responsibility for medical practitioners than fully licensed medication.

Sarah Sims from Welwyn Garden City found out that she had Lynch syndrome in 2021 after her younger brother Shaun contracted bowel cancer. Sarah, who takes aspirin daily, said: “I am grateful that this simple medicine could make a difference to my chances of developing further cancers.

“I used to buy it over the counter, but I have aspirin on prescription now. I had to explain in some detail about the benefits and that my geneticist had recommended it in-line with the CAPP2 study.”