Taking aspirin on a regular basis could help prevent some types of cancer, according to new Irish research.

Even taking aspirin on a monthly basis could protect against tumours of the head and neck, the study has indicated.

Researchers at Queen's University in Belfast have discovered that a weekly or monthly dose of aspirin could help people avoid developing tumours of the head and neck, with the risk reduced by 22%. The study was carried out in 55-to-74 year olds.

Aspirin is also known to have a protective effect against cardiovascular disease.

The research was published in the British Journal of Cancer.