NCMAG approve treatment with aspirin after surgery for some bowel cancers in Scotland
Thursday 22 October 2026
The use of aspirin in the treatment for some stage 1, 2 and 3 rectal cancers and stage 2 and 3 colon cancers has been approved for use in NHS Scotland by the National Cancer Medicines Advisory Group (NCMAG).
Aspirin is a medicine which is taken as a tablet. Research shows it can reduce the risk of bowel cancer returning after surgery in people whose tumours have certain gene changes. These gene changes are known as PI3K pathway alterations.
The decision follows the result of a clinical trial, which found that people who took aspirin were less likely to have their cancer return than those who took a dummy tablet, known as a placebo.
NCMAG’s approval means that in addition to the current treatment available (surgery to try to remove the cancer which may be followed by a course of chemotherapy), patients in Scotland may now also be prescribed 150mg of aspirin daily for three years.
Jennifer Bamforth, Head of Policy and Influencing at Bowel Cancer UK, says: “This welcome decision gives eligible patients in Scotland another way to reduce the risk of bowel cancer returning after surgery.
“Low-dose aspirin can now be offered as part of their treatment, and we want to see eligible patients across the UK benefit from the same access.
“We’re incredibly grateful to members of our patient forum who shared their personal experiences to support our submission to this appraisal. Their contributions helped ensure the voices of people affected by bowel cancer were heard.”
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