Popping the Blue Pill Could Cut the Risk of Colorectal Cancer

Scientists have discovered a potential new use for the little blue pill.

A new study from the Georgia Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Augusta University suggests that a small dose of the popular male impotence drug Viagra could reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

Researchers tested the theory on mice, and results showed a daily dose of the drug kept polyps at bay and cut the number of colorectal tumors in the animals by half.

The study also showed Viagra was effective in promoting a chemical that contributes to the health of the intestinal lining.

"This is a promising study that may significantly impact those with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis,” said Dr. Mark Friedman, a Moffitt Cancer Center gastroenterologist. "However, we will have to wait for human trials to determine its true clinical application."

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world, according to the study.