Millions of people take aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke.

Now, British researchers have found aspirin can lower the risk of cancer in some patients.

The researchers found taking two aspirins a day can lower cancer rates by around 60 percent in people who have a higher risk of colon cancer, because of genetics.

Researchers studied people with an inherited disorder called Lynch syndrome.

Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that accounts for about three to five percent of colon cancer cases.

Some scientists say the results of the study are so impressive, doctors should consider giving aspirin to all patients who have a high risk of developing colon cancer.

However, doctors warn aspirin does have side effects, including gastrointestinal bleeding.

"It is important to do this after taking to your physician and finding out just how high risk you are," Dr. Richard Whelan of St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital said.

Besides family history and age, lifestyle factors including obesity and smoking can put you at an increased risk of colon cancer.

The results of this study are published in the journal "Lancet."