1. Aspirin may help prevent--even treat--colon cancer. Colon cancer patients who took aspirin regularly had a reduced risk of death from cancer by 29 percent and a 21 percent lower risk of death from other causes in a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professsionals Follow-Up Study, and the association between aspirin use and survival. While it's too early to tell whether taking aspirin alone was responsible for the differences in cancer patient survival, the results suggest that the use of aspirin may prevent tumor growth.

2. It can help prevent heart attacks, but it's not for everyone. Aspirin helps reduce heart attack risk for men and women over 65, but does not prevent first heart attacks in women under 65 or strokes in men. Think you could be a candidate? Talk to your doctor. 

3. Preliminary evidence suggests that aspirin may help prevent Alzheimer's. Although some studies indicate that taking non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and naxopren, may provide protective benefits against the development of dementia, more research needs to be conducted.

4. Children or teens should never take aspirin for any reason. They can develop Reye's syndrome. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid it, as it may cause harm to the baby.

5. Aspirin is tough on the stomach, which is why many people treat their aches and pains with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Aspirin is used as a pain and fever reducer but is also known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting properties.